The National Administration - The civil servants' association is urging for immediate action: "Stabilize Germany"
The union for civil servants, dbb, has encouraged the federal government to discuss projects aimed at stabilizing the nation during a cabinet meeting. The chairman of dbb, Ulrich Silberbach, remarked to dpa in Berlin, "It's time for the traffic light coalition to make some moves now." Silberbach proposed that the coalition calls for a meeting akin to Meseberg at the first summer break, establishes priorities, and subsequently creates an immediate action plan.
Silberbach commented, "There's still time for political decisions before the federal election next year, when the campaign period begins." The federal election typically occurs in the fall of 2025. Silberbach suggested that traffic light parties not pass the blame onto others for their underwhelming performance in the European elections. They must take their mandate seriously despite the challenging circumstances.
"The aim should be to maintain Germany's stability in economic and social policy areas," said Silberbach. Key areas in this regard include migration, climate change, education, and internal security. He suggested that these tasks should be delegated to the appropriate government level, with that level receiving proper funding. "It's not like sorcery," Silberbach added. "It could still be accomplished during this year."
The recent dbb surveys revealed that citizens have lost their trust in the state's capabilities, according to Silberbach. As per a Forsa survey, only 27% of people believe that the state is capable of fulfilling its responsibilities.
"If the federal chancellor called for new elections right now due to the trust issue," Silberbach pointed out, "the traffic light coalition would no longer maintain a majority." In such a case, the coalition might shift to black-green, and SPD's fantasy would be shattered like soap bubbles." Silberbach: "Although the chancellor's actions may be beneficial for their party, they don't serve the nation's best interests. (Emmanuel) Macron, the directly elected French president, has been more consistent in this regard." Macron disbanded the parliament following the European election and called for new elections.
"Laws remain unimplemented, court rulings are not enforced," Silberbach criticized the performance of the traffic light coalition. He referred to administrative modernization, digitalization, and federalism as issues that require addressing. "Numerous initiatives from the coalition agreement directly affect citizens and the public service," Silberbach noted.
A dbb document obtained by dpa illustrates unrealized proclamations by the traffic light coalition. For instance, better equipment for the Federal Police, flexible work time models, debt relief for municipalities, or increased recognition of practical expertise for entry into the administration. The proposed digital access for trade unions in companies hasn't been realized, either.
The government must also address the implementation of supreme court rulings. In particular, the federal government has overlooked Karlsruhe rulings on sufficient remuneration for female and male employees for years, Silberbach highlighted. The enforcement of the more detailed working time recording required by the European Court of Justice and the Federal Labor Court is also still pending.
Additionally, Silberbach criticized the confusion between the Federal Government, States, and Communities, warning, "The debate on administrative chaos between the Federal Government, States, and Communities must be addressed." The Communities are not always sure how to proceed with their duties, as the States often want the Federal Government to pay, but the Federal Government will only do so if the States contribute as well.
Finally, Silberbach expressed understanding for Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP), saying, "We don't require constant calls for new special funds. We need a government that now focuses on its core tasks and relinquishes what it's already committed to." He singled out the "bureaucratic child benefit" as the primary point of focus.
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- The SPD, a part of the traffic light coalition, must take proactive steps to regain public trust, according to Ulrich Silberbach, the chairman of the Association of Civil Servants (dbb).
- During the cabinet meeting, Silberbach urged the federal government to focus on creating an immediate action plan to stabilize Germany, emphasizing the need for collaboration with trade unions like the FDP.
- Silberbach suggested that the traffic light coalition should follow Macron's lead and prioritize the nation's best interests, especially in areas like migration, climate change, education, and internal security.
- To ensure proper funding and delegation of tasks, Silberbach proposed that the coalition establish priorities during a Meseberg-style meeting during the summer break.
- Silberbach warned that if the federal chancellor called for new elections due to low public trust, the coalition might shift to a black-green alliance, potentially shattering SPD's aspirations.
- The recent dbb surveys revealed that only 27% of Germans believe that the state is capable of fulfilling its responsibilities, highlighting the importance of immediate action from the federal government.
- To address the implementation of court rulings, especially on sufficient remuneration for female and male employees, Silberbach pointed out that the federal government must work on enforcing rulings from the Supreme Court and the European Court of Justice.
- Silberbach criticized the ongoing confusion between the Federal Government, States, and Communities, stressing the need to address the administrative chaos and ensure clear divisions of responsibilities.
- During the European elections, the traffic light parties cannot pass blame for their underwhelming performance and must take their mandate seriously, focusing on stabilizing the nation rather than pointing fingers.
- The government must also tackle digitalization and administrative modernization as part of their immediate program, ensuring that unrealized proclamations, such as better equipment for the Federal Police and increased recognition of practical expertise, are realized.
