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Söder pushes 'extremism clause' to cut fiscal transfers to AfD- or Left-led states
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Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU) announced he is in talks with Hesse and Baden-Württemberg to introduce an "extremism clause" in Germany's Länderfinanzausgleich, the fiscal equalization system among states. The clause would deny financial support from donor states to states governed with participation of the AfD or the Left Party. Söder said the affected states would be Saxony-Anhalt and Berlin if expected government formations proceed there. He argued the clause would not initially change payments to other recipient states, so they could agree without fear. The article notes that in Berlin, the Left, Greens and SPD announced a joint exploratory paper and coalition talks, with the Left's party congress set to decide on October 31. The coalition efforts are overshadowed by antisemitism allegations against individual Left members and sharp criticism from leading Union politicians over socialization plans.
Source report
Bayerns Ministerpräsident Markus Söder (CSU) — Quelle: Christoph Reichwein/dpa
"I will not stand idly by," says Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder, who wants to deny federal states with AfD or Left Party participation any money from the Länderfinanzausgleich (fiscal equalization scheme).
Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU) intends to push through an "extremism clause" in the Länderfinanzausgleich together with other donor states, which could cut off potential AfD- or Left Party-led governments in Saxony-Anhalt and Berlin from funds drawn from the scheme.
"We are in talks with Hesse and Baden-Württemberg about an extremism clause for the Länderfinanzausgleich," the CSU chairman told the Augsburger Allgemeine.
"This would stipulate that states governed by extremists would not be supported by the donor states," Söder explained. "Saxony-Anhalt and Berlin would be affected if government formations there proceed as expected."
He expressed confidence that the other states would adjust the fiscal equalization scheme accordingly. "Such an extremism clause would not initially change anything about the payments to the other recipient states. So they need not fear anything for now and could agree — in the spirit of our shared country."
Related Coverage
- Weltplus article — Berlin unsettles CDU/CSU: "Widespread feeling among us that the SPD wants out of the coalition with us"
International Damage Warning
In Söder's view, the emerging Berlin state government also threatens to cause major international damage to Germany. "I will not stand idly by and watch this happen," said the CSU leader.
Berlin Coalition Talks
The Left Party, Greens, and SPD in Berlin announced a joint exploratory paper on Saturday, along with the opening of coalition negotiations. The SPD state board and a Greens party conference approved this on Monday evening. For the Left Party, a party conference on October 31 will decide whether the party officially enters coalition talks. The Left Party clearly won the election to the House of Representatives on September 20.
Related Coverage
- Weltplus article — Exploratory talks in Berlin: "If one talks about firewalls, then one is needed toward the left"
Antisemitism Allegations Cast Shadow
The efforts to form a government are, however, overshadowed by antisemitism allegations against individual Left Party members. There is also sharp criticism from leading Union politicians regarding the potential coalition partners' plans for socialization (nationalization) of enterprises.
AFP/fro
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CSU's Söder pushes extremism clause to cut fiscal transfers to AfD- or Left-led states