The SPD remains in the grand coalition for now, but wants to talk to the Union about new accents in government work. Subsequently, the party executive should decide whether these topics can be implemented in the existing government alliance. That was decided by the congress in Berlin. This was followed by the delegates with few votes against a previously laboriously negotiated proposal of the party executive, in which also the new party leaders Saskia Esken and Norbert Walter-Borjans had worked. "This is a clear recommendation for the next weeks and months," said the designated party Vice-President Anke Rehlinger.
Neither remaining in a coalition nor leaving is an "end in itself", the motion says. Decisive are the contents. Among other things, the SPD demands that the minimum wage be raised from the current EUR 9.19 to EUR 12 - not immediately, but "in perspective". In addition, the Social Democrats want to enforce that from 2021 planned price for the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide is raised.
The SPD also demands more public investment in education, transport, communications networks and climate protection. The application mentions an estimate of more than € 450 billion over the next ten years. These investments should not fail in "dogmatic positions such as Schäuble's black zero" - meaning that the federal government should also make new debt if necessary.
Previously, the new party leaders Esken and Walter Borjans had been elected by large majorities. Several federal ministers campaigned for a continuation of the coalition. Juso CEO Kevin Kühnert, however, emphasized that there should be no predetermination. The talks with the Union must be conducted openly, a "next-so" should not exist. At the same time Kühnert said: "I do not perceive that anyone in the Social Democratic Party carries a longing for opposition." An application calling for an immediate end to the grand coalition was clearly rejected.
