Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer: "Then the Radicals Set the Agenda"

In a candid interview with DIE ZEIT, former CDU leader Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer offers a measured perspective on the current German coalition government, asserting its stability despite significant political divergences between the CDU/CSU and the SPD. Kramp-Karrenbauer, often referred to as 'AKK,' emphasizes that the "hasardeurs" are not in charge, suggesting that the responsible leaders within both governing parties understand the gravity of leading Germany, the third-largest economy globally and a pivotal player in Europe and NATO.

Her assessment reflects a pragmatic view of German politics, where coalition governments, even those marked by ideological friction, often find ways to persevere due to a shared understanding of national responsibility. This perspective is particularly relevant given the complex challenges Germany faces, both domestically and internationally. AKK's comments implicitly acknowledge the difficult compromises required to maintain such a government, highlighting the maturity of the political actors involved.

The interview also touches upon the pivotal moment in 2019 when Kramp-Karrenbauer stepped down as CDU leader and chancellor candidate following the controversial election of Thomas Kemmerich as Minister-President of Thuringia, a vote facilitated by the far-right AfD. This event remains a significant marker in recent German political history, illustrating the deep divisions within the CDU and the ongoing struggle to define the party's relationship with the AfD. AKK's reflections on this period, though not detailed in the provided text, likely inform her current cautious yet firm stance on coalition stability and the importance of preventing radical forces from dictating the political agenda.

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Sie hält. Bei aller politischen Unterschiedlichkeit, da sind keine Hasardeure am Werk. Vielen in Union und SPD ist sehr bewusst, was auf dem Spiel steht. Diese Regierung führt die drittgrößte Volkswirtschaft der Welt, eines der wichtigsten Länder in Europa und in der Nato.