Regional politics - Alcohol ride of CDU-state leader could engage Landtag
The oppositional Left faction in the Brandenburg State Parliament intends to call for a special session of the Interior and the Legal Affairs Committee following the alcohol drive of CDU faction leader Jan Redmann. The necessary majority for this is not yet clear, as the coalition is still discussing its approach. Marlen Block, the Left deputy who chairs the Interior Committee, stated, "It is important to exclude any influence of superiors on the investigative proceedings."
Last week, CDU State and faction leader Redmann was stopped by the police while riding an E-scooter to his apartment in Potsdam with a breath alcohol level of 1.3 promille. A blood alcohol content above 1.1 promille is a criminal offense and not an administrative offense. Redmann informed the media on Friday afternoon, about twelve hours after the incident, and admitted an error. The exact blood alcohol level was initially unclear.
Red and Green consult on special session
The SPD and Green factions expressed their openness, announced consultations within the coalition, and urged the CDU to cooperate for clarification. SPD faction leader Daniel Keller said, "Jan Redmann declared openly and transparently that he would deal with this matter, and we expect this honesty from him in the future."
Green faction leader Benjamin Raschke stated, "The CDU would be well-advised to use a special session for clarification. Our coalition agreement stipulates unanimous behavior. We will seek dialogue with our coalition partners." The CDU faction spokesperson, Monika Larch, stated that the coalition would discuss.
Missing votes still needed
The Brandenburg Police reportedly sent the notice of Redmann's control first in writing to the Interior Ministry and only one day later electronically internally. According to their statements, such a procedure ensures that the personal rights of those affected are not violated.
"We have requested a special session of the Legal Affairs Committee and the Committee for Interior and Local Affairs during the recess," said Block. The session could take place after the special session of the Landtag for the supplementary budget on the coming Wednesday, if the necessary votes are present and the presidium agrees.
Left sees coalition on the move
For the motion, a fifth of the members are required in both the Interior and the Legal Affairs Committee, which is three. Block hopes that the coalition factions will participate because of the great interest in transparency and clarification.
The Police reportedly did not give a specific reason for Redmann's control in their statement. In the police report, which the "Märkische Allgemeine" reported on and which the dpa also has access to, it says that Redmann was controlled "due to his driving behavior."
- The CDU, led by Jan Redmann in Brandenburg, is currently facing scrutiny due to his drunken ride on an E-scooter, which could potentially impact the regional politics in Germany.
- Following Redmann's alcohol voyage, the oppositional Left faction is advocating for a special session, involving both the Interior and Legal Affairs Committee in the State Parliament.
- Despite the initiative from the Left, the coalition's collective stance on the special session is not yet clear, with the necessary votes for approval still missing.
- Green faction leader Benjamin Raschke encourages the CDU to seize this opportunity for clarification, citing their coalition agreement and the importance of unanimous behavior.
- In response to Redmann's incident, the SPD and Green factions have expressed their support for transparency, urging the CDU to cooperate and contribute to a resolution.
- As the justice system continues its investigation, Redmann's open and transparent approach in addressing the situation has been commended by the SPD faction leader, Daniel Keller.
- The police report detailing Redmann's control mentions his erratic driving behavior as the reason, though no specific reason was given in their official statement.
- Marlen Block, the Left deputy who chairs the Interior Committee, is optimistic about coalition participation in the special session, given the widespread interest in maintaining transparency and achieving clarification.
