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Topic: New German cabinet

Wilf Day
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 3276

posted 16 October 2005 01:50 AM

Can Angela Merkel match this line-up of SPD ministers?

quote:
Franz Müntefering (Labor, Vice Chancellor) needs no introduction.
Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul (Economic Development), 62, incumbent, known as "red Heidi" because of her hair color and political convictions, she is part of the SPD's left wing. A former teacher, once led her party's youth organization, became deputy party leader in 1993.
Peer Steinbrück (Finance), former premier of Germany's largest state, North Rhine-Westphalia.
Brigitte Zypries (Justice), incumbent, lawyer.
Frank-Walter Steinmeier (Foreign), 48, was Gerhard Schröder's chief-of-staff, formerly a university lecturer in law and politics.
Ulla Schmidt (Health), incumbent.
Sigmar Gabriel (Environment), 46, a rising star within the SPD, former premier of the state of Lower Saxony, teacher.

Wolfgang Tiefensee (Transportation), Leipzig's mayor since 1998 has been credited with the economic success of eastern Germany's second-largest city.

Angela Merkel huddled with party leaders on Friday seeking big-hitting conservative ministers able to hold their own against the SPD team:

quote:
Economy minister: the conservative leader of the powerful state of Bavaria, Edmund Stoiber.
Franz Josef Jung, a leading member of the Christian Democratic government in the state of Hesse, rumored to be defense minister.
Interior: looks destined for Wolfgang Schäuble.
Education?
Family?
Agriculture?

Hmm. Will Merkel be like Thatcher, naming no women to her cabinet?

From: Port Hope, Ontario | Registered: Oct 2002 | IP: Logged

Vansterdam Kid
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 5474

posted 16 October 2005 04:50 AM

Some of the SPD choices are a little strange, how valueable are Steinbrück and Gabriel if they were both were recently defeated in state elections? Wouldn't that have weakened their stock somewhat, or at least one would wonder if they'd be tough enough to joust with the CDU/CSU team.

It should be intresting to witness the upcoming clashes about the future of the economy between the SPD's Wieczorek-Zeul and the CSU's Stoiber. Wieczorek-Zeul was an important choice to keep for the SPD, because the very fact that they're in this coalition poses a big threat to their left wing. And it seems as if they have control over most of the domestic development ministries.

I think it may have been a better idea for Merkel to dump Stoiber considering some of the ill-advised comments he made during the election about East Germans, especially considering the fact that Merkel is from Eastern Germany and perhaps could have some pull their if she's seen more as a favourite daughter and not someone who scorns the area (which is more like what she's seen as now). But I suppose he has too much power and backing within his the CSU, and it would cause Merkel problems should she drop him.

From: bleh.... | Registered: Apr 2004 | IP: Logged

Stockholm
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 3138

posted 16 October 2005 01:40 PM

I get the impression that in Germany state election results are seen to refelct more on national politics than on the state politicians. If the SPD lost those state elections, the blame would be on Schroeder and not on the state SPD leaders.

From: Toronto | Registered: Sep 2002 | IP: Logged

Wilf Day
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 3276

posted 16 October 2005 07:14 PM

This might be a good spot to continue the closed German election thread.

From: Port Hope, Ontario | Registered: Oct 2002 | IP: Logged

Wilf Day
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 3276

posted 17 October 2005 01:19 PM

Minister for Economy and Technology: as expected, Edmund Stoiber, 64
Interior Ministry: as expected, Wolfgang Schäuble, 63.
Defence Ministry: as expected, Franz Josef Jung, 56.
Education and Research: Annette Schavan, 50
Chancellery Minister: Thomas de Maiziere, 51
Family Minister: Ursula von der Leyen, 47, a doctor and mother of seven.
Agriculture and consumer protection: Horst Seehofer, 56

quote:
Originally posted in another thread by Ken Burch:
So is Muntefering likely to be the next chancellor candidate for the SPD?
If not, who are others who might consider it, and where would they fit on a "right-left" spectrum by SPD standards.

Excellent question. Müntefering, at 65, may not be the Chancellor of tomorrow. Who of the other seven is Chancellor material? Sigmar Gabriel? The above piece notes "he is seen by some SPD members as an important player for the party's future."

[ 17 October 2005: Message edited by: Wilf Day ]

From: Port Hope, Ontario | Registered: Oct 2002 | IP: Logged

Centrist
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 5422

posted 17 October 2005 04:42 PM

If I had to place bets on the two leading SPD contenders for future chancellor candidate (not necessarily for the second half of the coalition) I would wager on Sigmar Gabriel and Peer Steinbrück.

Of those two, Steinbrück is probably slightly to the right of Gabriel and, IMHO, is also probably the best choice of the two and more electable. They both have a profile as previous state premiers of NRW and NS respectively.

[Sheesh, finally figured out those umlauts.]

From: BC | Registered: Apr 2004 | IP: Logged

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