In an interview, Friedrich Merz misses personal responsibility in Germany and denies Baerbock his suitability for chancellor.
But he is also targeting the CSU.
Berlin - Friedrich Merz wants to go to the Bundestag.
Evidently strong opinions should continue to help: The conservative election campaign helper of Chancellor candidate Armin Laschet has made a small sweep.
In an interview with the editorial network Germany (RND), Merz now boldly doubts Annalena Baerbock's suitability as Chancellor - but the CSU also suffered a damper.
Merz on the flood disaster and the proportion of climate change
In view of the storm catastrophe in North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, ex-Union parliamentary group leader Merz urged more personal responsibility: In large parts of the population there is “too little risk awareness”.
Something can happen every day, it doesn't just depend on the authorities;
everyone should practice dealing with dangerous situations.
Although the events in the flood areas are dramatic, they also offer the opportunity to rethink urban planning.
Existing errors such as sealing, development close to the bank and too little space for flooding would have to be corrected, Merz demanded.
The CDU politician sees a share of climate change in the flood disaster, but this alone is not responsible for it.
There will always be floods, "even if you immediately took over the complete ideas of Fridays for Future," Merz told the RND newspapers.
At the same time, Merz rejected compulsory natural hazard insurance for homeowners.
Everyone must be clear about whether such insurance is appropriate.
Energy transition: Merz open to solar roof funding
One could think about a tax subsidy for solar roofs, so Merz.
However, he refused to make solar roofs compulsory: building should not become too expensive for young families.
The economic politician also rejected the CSU's demands for a quick tax cut after the federal election in September.
This is currently not financially viable.
Merz also rejected the maternal pension.
Germany is heading for a coverage gap of 100 billion euros per year - "this answers the question of further wishes," stated Merz.
Merz: sharp criticism of Baerbock - unsuitable for the Chancellery?
The Sauerland found hard words for the Green Chancellor candidate Baerbock.
Merz judged that she was unsuitable for succeeding Angela Merkel.
Baerbock has shown in recent weeks that “the shoes of the office of Chancellor are a little too big for her”.
The Greens had to correct their résumé and adorned themselves with experiences “that they don't have”: “There is a pattern there,” teased Merz.
He also commented on the plagiarism allegations against Baerbock's book.
There was no plagiarism in his own books - "I wrote all of my books myself, every sentence and every word".
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Bernd Weissbrod
