- Rejection of the Triple Alliance's Pact – Thering Assails Chechens
The leader of Hamburg's CDU, Dennis Thering, has voiced frustration over Mayor Peter Tschentscher's comments regarding potential coalitions following the March election for the city parliament. Thering views Tschentscher's doubt in the CDU's capability to govern as "arrogant." He finds it peculiar that Tschentscher mentioned being unavailable for a three-party coalition as mayor.
"If Peter Tschentscher doesn't wish to serve as mayor in a three-party coalition, that's his personal choice," Thering told the German Press Agency. "But ultimately, we must address the wishes of the Hamburg citizens. That's why I find his stance peculiar." Post-election, Tschentscher will need to stand by his declarations, Thering stated. "Among democrats, you should never rule anything out prematurely. Thus, the mayor hasn't done himself any favors with this."
Tschentscher once more questioned the CDU's governance abilities during a conversation with dpa, referring to the dismissal of significant projects such as MSC's entry into the municipal port logistics company HHLA and Oberbillwerder's housing construction plans. Instead, he again advocated for maintaining the red-green coalition. He refused a three-party coalition with himself as mayor.
Thering deemed Tschentscher's criticism of the CDU as "arrogant." "To be honest, I find it arrogant when the mayor of the opposition criticizes the CDU's governance abilities simply because we've spoken against the MSC/HHLA deal, similar to what all experts in the port have done," Thering said.
Likewise, Tschentscher's opinions on the Oberbillwerder plans are irrelevant now that there's no longer a majority in Bergedorf due to the district council election. "The residents of Bergedorf have unquestionably expressed that this massively oversized project is unwanted there," Thering stated.
In the end, Hamburg citizens will decide who can govern effectively, Thering asserted. "The district election has shown that our support is growing. The stronger the Union becomes, the higher the likelihood of a government change. It's quite possible that a coalition of SPD and Greens won't suffice in the end. Then, the mayor's early commitment to the Greens would be irrelevant," Thering said.
Thering believes there's more shared ground between the CDU and SPD than with the Greens. "But ultimately, it's about finding where we can achieve the most in terms of smooth transportation, security, and a strong economy," he concluded.
Thering perceives growing dissatisfaction with the red-green Senate, including growing dissatisfaction with the mayor, "including growing dissatisfaction with the mayor," Thering said. "That's why we're already in a three-way race, even if the mayor doesn't like it and has cozied up to the Greens."
Tschentscher's consistent statements also indicate: "Only a genuine shift in politics – away from the red-green norm – will be possible with the CDU."
The German Press Agency reported Thering's response to Tschentscher's comments on possible coalitions, stating, "If Peter Tschentscher doesn't wish to serve as mayor in a three-party coalition, that's his personal choice," Thering told the German Press Agency.
In his discussions with the German Press Agency, Thering expressed his disapproval of Tschentscher's comments about the CDU's governance abilities, stating, "To be honest, I find it arrogant when the mayor of the opposition criticizes the CDU's governance abilities simply because we've spoken against the MSC/HHLA deal."
