The ministers also want to set an example by waiving their mandate.
(Photo: Reuters)
“If you are needed, you do your duty. If one is no longer needed, one withdraws. ”This teaching by Confucius is not very widespread in politics. Even the greatest defeats are seldom the cause of personal consequences. In this respect, the fact that Economics Minister Peter Altmaier and Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer are renouncing their parliamentary mandate and making room for a complete overhaul of the CDU / CSU is a testament to political greatness.
The Union achieved its worst result in the federal elections, but CDU leader Armin Laschet circumvents the word defeat as best he can and wants to “moderate” the new start himself. Altmaier and “AKK” are more consistent there – and with their withdrawal they also want to be a role model for others. So it will be interesting to see whether there will be more surprises after the CDU board meeting this Monday.
Altmaier and Kramp-Karrenbauer both missed a direct mandate and only entered the Bundestag via the Saarland state list. Now they are making room for younger people – and for politicians who can shape the profile of the future Union in terms of content. Nadine Schön, who is now moving up with Markus Uhl, made a name for herself as a digital politician. She was also involved in the negotiations on a quota for women on executive boards.
Altmaier and AKK have recently not cut a good figure in their offices
The fact that Altmaier and AKK have not always cut a good figure in their offices may also have contributed to the decision. The Minister of Economic Affairs initially did not have the Corona aid under control, the Minister of Defense is after the chaos of the Afghanistan withdrawal.
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Her departure from the Bundestag also means another break with the Merkel era. Altmaier served the head of government as head of the chancellery before becoming economics minister. AKK was Merkel’s desired successor at the top of the CDU, where she acted unhappy and could not last long.
If the CDU is really serious about the desire for staff and content renewal, then others are well advised to ask themselves whether they are not in the way. Tomorrow’s elections cannot be won with yesterday’s staff. Altmaier and Kramp-Karrenbauer have recognized this and follow the principle “First the country, then the party, then me”. A decent retreat!
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