Politics: Black-Green rejects resignations in Northvolt affair

The ruling coalition in Germany's Schleswig-Holstein state has firmly rejected demands for resignations in the wake of the Northvolt affair, despite acknowledging shortcomings in the state government's information policies. The constitutional court had previously ruled that the state parliament was not adequately informed about the risks associated with the failed industrial settlement.

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With a backward-looking debate, we will not move our country forward.

CDU parliamentary group leader Tobias Koch stated that while the government's failure to inform the state parliament is undisputed, "a backward-looking debate will not move our country forward." He added that the government has already drawn conclusions. Green party leader Lasse Petersdotter echoed this sentiment, arguing that the expectation of heads rolling for taking responsibility is not a healthy basis for political decisions. He admitted that errors occurred in informing parliament and documenting decision-making processes, but stressed that the decision itself was industrially correct and that lessons must be learned.

Opposition parties, including the SPD, FDP, and SSW, have submitted a motion for a vote of no confidence against the entire government. They cite the constitutional court's ruling and a special report from the state audit office concerning the failed Northvolt settlement. The opposition seeks consequences for the government's handling of the matter.

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I believe that the expectation that taking responsibility always means a head must roll is not a good basis for political decision-making.

In response, the Black-Green coalition has proposed an alternative motion. This motion calls for the government to ensure an "equivalent decision-making basis" for future votes, including submitting relevant expert opinions to the state parliament and properly documenting decision-making meetings. The Northvolt project, which promised around 3,000 jobs in the structurally weak Dithmarschen region, ultimately went bankrupt. Schleswig-Holstein faces a financial loss of over 200 million euros from the failed settlement.

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Industrially, it was the right decision. At the same time, errors were made parliamentarily and in dealing with parliament. We must now learn from that.