Political Ash Wednesday: Annalena Baerbock calls for rapid tests for all schools

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Green chief Baerbock: "Get out of the policy of waiting"

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Tobias Hase / dpa

Annalena Baerbock has called for rapid tests for all schools and daycare centers in the country.

That could initially cost 200 million euros, but it must be possible in view of the huge aid for the economy in the corona crisis, said the Greens chief at the digital political Ash Wednesday of her party.

She accused the federal government of a lack of determination and cooperation in the fight against the corona virus in the pandemic.

There was a "lack of firm cohesion," said Baerbock.

Economics Minister Peter Altmaier (CDU) and Finance Minister Olaf Scholz (SPD) did not work together on Corona aid.

Too often responsibilities remained unclear.

"If things go on like this, it will wear us all down," and not just our hearts, but also our trust in "smart politics" and state institutions, said Baerbock.

"Now we have to get out of the policy of waiting."

Baerbock also called for a resolute climate protection policy.

"Climate protection is not a future task, but the present, otherwise we will never reach a climate-neutral future."

Robert Habeck, the other half of the green leadership duo, also criticized the governing parties CDU and CSU.

The Union is discrediting its claim to leadership because it is blocking the fight against tax crimes.

The Prime Minister's Conference should not be "allowed to play a role as a stage for the unresolved question of power in the Union," not a "vain show between Munich and Düsseldorf."

Habeck criticized politicians who "constantly praise themselves".

The words may have been referring to the Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder, but Habeck did not pronounce the name.

Hofreiter calls Söder and Scheuer climate saboteurs

On the climate issue, Anton Hofreiter, the leader of the Greens in the Bundestag, became clear.

He particularly criticized Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder and Federal Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer (both CSU).

"They're not allies, they're de facto saboteurs - and we don't need saboteurs," said Hofreiter.

It needs "all the allies we can get to get the climate crisis under control."

But allies are needed who "act, not just pretend."

Söder is responsible for Andreas Scheuer still being allowed to be Minister of Transport, said Hofreiter.

And that, although Scheuer does not even know what a functioning railway could look like and what a real traffic turnaround would be.

In addition, Söder, "who likes to hug trees", is responsible for the distance rules for wind turbines and thus sabotage wind power.

What is needed, however, is a traffic turnaround, an energy turnaround and an agricultural turnaround.

Hofreiter emphasized that climate change is made by people: "This way we can change it."

Kretschmann: "Fortunately, the time of Basta politics is over"

The Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann, warned against a policy of no alternatives.

"Good political leadership in the 21st century does not mean standing with your legs apart, speaking power or ruling through," said the Green politician in a video message for an event organized by the Federal Greens on Ash Wednesday.

"Fortunately, the days of Basta politics are over." Citizens do not blindly follow the politicians and would not naturally do what is expected of them.

According to Kretschmann, they want to be convinced with arguments, and find solutions and a hearing for their concerns, concerns and suggestions.

"That is why we must also put an end to the claim that there is no alternative." There are always different alternatives - but not all are equally good.

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asa / höh / dpa / Reuters