“We want to destroy the country”
Klingbeil calls for a “year of struggle” against the AfD
January 19, 2024, 6:09 a.m
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For days, tens of thousands of people have been taking to the streets against the right in large cities. Something should also happen in politics. “In 2024, everyone has to step up and give everything,” says Lars Klingbeil. The SPD leader has a four-point plan for this.
The SPD chairman Lars Klingbeil has urgently called on his party to fight against the right and for better poll numbers for the Social Democrats. “This will be a year of struggle. We will fight for the working middle. We will fight against the attempt by right-wing extremists and the AfD to destroy this country,” Klingbeil told the “Augsburger Allgemeine”.
“In 2024, everyone has to step up and give everything,” he added. The SPD, as the strongest government party, is responsible for setting the direction. “Nobody can sit back and wait for developments. And this willingness to fight is the clear expectation that I formulate for everyone. Regardless of whether you are a member of the Bundestag or Federal Chancellor,” Klingbeil made clear.
He named four points as relevant in the fight against the AfD. The government needs to do better, argue less, explain more and make political decisions for the working middle class in the country. Secondly, politicians would have to travel more around the country and seek direct contact with the people. Ultimately, the AfD must be substantiated.
“We will work out how this country would change if the AfD could take over,” emphasized the SPD leader. “The last few weeks have clearly shown that the AfD wants to go through the country and sort out everyone whose last name or skin color doesn’t suit them. And these are people who are an integral part of our society, who work as nursing staff, as bus drivers, as Vice-President of the Bundestag. So those who all over this country help keep things running.” It is also about the fact that the AfD wants to leave the EU. “That would put a lot of jobs at risk. This party doesn’t do anything better, it endangers our prosperity and our future,” said Klingbeil.
With regard to the Federal Chancellor, Klingbeil said that Olaf Scholz was the face of this government and was “resolving the discontent at the forefront.” That’s why Scholz said that he wanted to explain government policy better and communicate it differently. “I am very sure that the Chancellor will fight his way back this year,” said Klingbeil. Klingbeil rejected speculation that the SPD could enter the federal election campaign with a candidate for chancellor other than Scholz. “There is no discussion at all, our Chancellor is Olaf Scholz. We have a close and trusting relationship. We know how difficult these times are,” he says.