German president appeals, cautions political leaders as uncertainty reigns

 

The end of a coalition is not the end of the world. It is a political crisis that we need to overcome and will overcome

 

Admin I Friday, November 08, 2024

 

BERLIN – Following the collapse of the centre-left coalition in Berlin, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has called on all political leaders to exercise reason.

“Now is not the time for tactics and skirmishes,” he said in Berlin with regard to the election outcome in the United States.

“It is a time for reason and responsibility. I expect all those responsible to live up to the magnitude of the challenges.”

Steinmeier emphasized that German democracy is strong. “The end of a coalition is not the end of the world. It is a political crisis that we need to overcome and will overcome.”

He stated that the Basic Law, as the German constitution is known, provides clear guidelines for the procedures ahead.

As president, he will have to decide on the dissolution of the lower house of parliament, or Bundestag, Steinmeier said. “I am ready to make this decision.”

The Basic Law ties this decision to certain conditions, he said. “But our country needs stable majorities and an operational government. This will be my benchmark,” said Steinmeier.