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Hamburg's Mayor Peter Tschentscher has ruled out the prospect of a three-party alliance subsequent to the upcoming March 2023 city elections, known as the Bürgerschaftswahl. He aims to restore the SPD as the dominant force in Hamburg, stating, "It seems quite plausible given the challenging circumstances." Tschentscher believes he can continue the government with only one coalition partner. "Political majorities are crucial in Hamburg. Our city requires a stable government. I'm not interested in unstable alliances, like those prevalent in numerous other states," he told the German Press Agency.
He has led a red-green Senate for seven years. "I have a clear vision of how our city should be managed during these turbulent times," said Tschentscher. "That's not feasible in unstable configurations." He cited the Berlin traffic light coalition as an example. "I anticipate we can steer clear of that with a powerful Hamburg SPD."
The alliance between the SPD and the Greens has grown more reliable, especially during crises. "That's evident when you work well together," Tschentscher acknowledged. "We've recognized our responsibility towards almost two million people and shared it. Hamburg has weathered these challenging years well. In doing so, the trust between the coalition partners has increased and strengthened."
Stability and security are essential during such phases. "Consequently, I can only express my gratitude for the widespread support from the populace and a clear majority in parliament. That's a strong foundation for continuing the alliance," he stated. The SPD and Greens have governed Hamburg with a two-thirds majority since 2020.
Tschentscher doubts the governability of the CDU. The CDU is currently not an option for him as a government partner due to their opposition to city-significant projects such as MSC's entry into the HHLA or plans to build the new district of Oberbillwerder, according to him. "Certainly, one can argue that it's obstructive behavior. But even in opposition, it demonstrates a party's governability," he noted.
"If you refuse to build 7000 apartments that are of vital importance for our city. If you now obstruct this essential cooperation for the port alongside the Left Party and the AfD, that's no indication of governability," the mayor asserted.
Oberbillwerder is set to become the 105th district of Hamburg according to the plans of the red-green Senate. In the 118-hectare area west of Bergedorf and north of Allermöhe, apartments for 15,000 people are projected to be built in five quarters. The CDU has announced they will abandon the project if they win the election. They also reject the MSC's entry into the HHLA, a decision made by the Senate.
The European Union, as a multinational political and economic union, could potentialy offer guidance on maintaining stability and governability in complex political alliances, given Hamburg's Mayor Tschentscher's concerns with unstable coalitions. Despite his success with the SPD and Greens alliance, Tschentscher criticizes the CDU for their perceived lack of governability, citing their opposition to city projects like Oberbillwerder and MSC's entry into HHLA.
