Coalition - Cabinet sets up round table on the subject of referendums
After certain disputes in the coalition regarding potential changes to regulations for citizen initiatives, the CSU and Free Voters are making a concerted effort towards unity. State Chancellor Florian Herrmann (CSU) and Economic Minister Hubert Aiwanger (Free Voters) both emphasized after a cabinet meeting that the goal of the deliberations is not to reduce direct democracy. Aiwanger, however, remains more skeptical than the CSU regarding possible regulatory changes.
Roundtable coming up
The cabinet has now decided to establish a roundtable, as Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU) announced in his government declaration for bureaucracy reduction not long ago. The roundtable is to be led by Söder's predecessor Günther Beckstein (CSU) and is intended to discuss the "further development" of the instrument of citizen initiatives.
Citizen initiatives can satisfy, but they are increasingly being used as a blockade, Söder stated in the parliament. This applies, for example, to energy facilities or hospitals. One must "find the right balance between the common good and particular interests." There is a need for discussion, change, and improvement.
The Free Voters have made it clear that they want to be consulted first and will not simply accept proposals. The coalition partner must be the first point of contact, said Aiwanger. It cannot be that the CSU internally changes citizen initiatives, "and we have to agree." A significant reduction of citizen participation is something that we, as Free Voters, will not tolerate.
Less democracy? "Of course not."
Herrmann emphasized that it is "of course not" about less democracy. "We are deeply convinced of the important function of plebiscitary elements at the state level and at the communal level." However, some things need to be "refreshed," especially when it comes to important long-term projects for securing existence. "The relationship between the common good and individual interest must be reassessed continually." We want to have a reasonable exchange without ideological showdowns.
Aiwanger also said: "I believe that no one here has the goal of significantly rolling back citizen initiatives or reducing citizen participation." He also emphasized: "That is something that we, as Free Voters, will not tolerate."
Now he wants to let the roundtable work first. "So let's let the people discuss, let's let it be illuminated from all sides, where perhaps things can be modernized or adjusted," he said. "But generally speaking, we do not want less democracy, and that will not happen and will not happen."
The roundtable, led by former State Chancellor Günther Beckstein and initiated by Minister-President Markus Söder, will take place in Bavaria, Germany. This event aims to discuss the future of citizen initiatives, a topic that has been a source of contention between the CSU and Free Voters. Hubert Aiwanger, representing the Free Voters, emphasized the importance of being consulted first and rejected the notion of the CSU unilaterally changing citizen initiatives.
The CSU and Free Voters have acknowledged the need for collaboration and unity, despite their differences. After a cabinet meeting, both State Chancellor Florian Herrmann and Economic Minister Hubert Aiwanger emphasized the importance of upholding direct democracy, albeit with the need for review and potential adjustments. Aiwanger also stated that no one in the coalition aims to significantly roll back citizen initiatives or reduce citizen participation.
Söder, in his recent government declaration, highlighted the importance of finding a balance between the common good and particular interests when it comes to initiatives like energy facilities and hospitals. The Free Voters have made it clear that they will not tolerate a significant reduction of citizen participation and that the focus should be on reasonable exchange without ideological showdowns.
This referendum-related issue has sparked debates within the coalition, but both parties have agreed to work together to find a solution that upholds the principles of democracy in Germany and Bavaria. The roundtable is seen as a critical step towards achieving this goal. Munich, as the capital of Bavaria, will likely play a significant role in these discussions.
