- Schneider aims to earn accolades in the realms of education, immigration, and health.
The current state chairperson of the CDU, Gordon Schnieder, in Rhineland-Palatinate, considers education, migration, and healthcare as the main priorities for the Christian Democrats' campaign. He believes it's crucial to address the negative trends and the state government's shortcomings in these areas. Schnieder commented to the German Press Agency in Mainz, stating, "Our proposals are already out there." Rhineland-Palatinate is not grappling with an income problem; rather, it's about prioritizing correctly.
The leader of the opposition party in the Rhineland-Palatinate state parliament issues a warning to the newly appointed Minister President, Alexander Schweitzer (SPD): stagnation has set in. In the education sector, Rhineland-Palatinate has witnessed a decline, particularly in the mastery of the German language among the youngest. Mandatory language tests and a shift away from voluntarism are required, the faction leader cautioned. The rise in repeat student rates in primary schools by over 50% in recent years is also of concern.
Honest discussions are needed on the topic of migration, according to Schnieder, who is running for the new party chair position on September 21. This issue has stirred the most emotion in Rhineland-Palatinate. There is a lack of housing for refugees, which is why the CDU insists that people should only be relocated to municipalities if they have the right to stay. "Then integration can be successful."
The disproportionately high crime rate among migrants who have settled in Rhineland-Palatinate is another issue that needs to be addressed, as explained by the CDU general secretary. "We need to be much more active in this regard." The safety and security of people in public places, especially during the evening hours, is at stake. There should be a nationwide uniform approach to the introduction of the payment card for refugees. The Rhineland-Palatinate traffic light coalition has not yet taken a stance on the amount of cash, avoiding a clear definition on this vital issue.
There are significant deficits in the state's healthcare policy, with chaotic department closures and hospital shutdowns. The state government must ensure basic care for people, particularly in rural areas, and prevent uncontrolled closures. "Healthcare planning is a state responsibility. The state is responsible for hospital investment funding. Too little is being done in this area," the opposition politician criticized.
"The new Minister President has talked about a shift in focus," the faction leader mentioned about Schweitzer's announcement after his election in July. "More should happen now than just continuing as before. Therefore, I am looking forward to the government declaration." It is anticipated that the Minister President will deliver his first government declaration in the first session following the parliamentary summer break in mid-September in the Mainz state parliament.
The Christian Democrats have no issue distinguishing themselves from the AfD since it's about substantive and thematic debates, honest analysis, and reliable statements rather than populism. "There is no cooperation with them, and we expose them in every parliamentary debate." A clearer separation than in parliament is hardly possible. Regaining lost trust among the people is not feasible with populism, Schnieder declared.
Schnieder emphasized the necessity of having open discussions about migration, noting that it's a highly emotional topic in Rhineland-Palatinate. He suggested that refugees should only be relocated to municipalities if they have the right to stay, ensuring successful integration.
Additionally, the disproportionately high crime rate among migrants is a concern that necessitates a more active approach. A nationwide uniform approach to the introduction of a payment card for refugees could be an effective solution in addressing this issue.
