Opinion: Team Talk in Germany's Bundestag
June 22, 2006
The national budget has been on the table for half a year already. It didn't pass through the Bundestag last year due to earlier-than-usual parliamentary elections and, since then, the 2005 budget has simply been extended. A few million on top to stimulate the economy here and there and what have we got? A national budget with a record deficit. Lucky for the government, the country is more concerned with soccer right now.
With cost reductions, subsidy cuts and tax hikes, the 2007 budget gets straight down to business. It will be debated in the federal cabinet on July 5, the same day as the World Cup semi-finals. The 2007 budget will go to parliament at the end of September, after the state elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Good time management is always an important part of a successful game.
Sourpuss turned euphoric
And so is enthusiasm. The coalition speakers saw in the people's high spirits the perfect opportunity to tackle the country's problems, even if painful measures may be called for -- as is sometimes the case in soccer, too. FDP opposition party leader Guido Westerwelle is also glad that the country's sourpuss mood has lifted -- although he tends to irk the national team in Berlin with his chafing approach to the government game.
The coalition has a few things planned between now and the finals on July 9. Progress is to be made in health care reform and corporate tax reform; federalism reforms concerning the relationship between the state and national levels are to be passed. The ruling coalition of Christian Democrats (CDU) and Social Democrats has the necessary majority, as long as the various partners agree with each other. They've already shown their willingness in the budget debates and emphasized their political responsibility.
Not exactly Germany's most valuable player
Even if someone misses the political ball -- like CDU Secretary General Ronald Pofalla with his tax proposal for families with children -- the coalition can still trust that it will be drowned out by the cheers and victory anthems. Pofalla's desire to transfer tax benefits from childless couples to families with children doesn't have much chance of becoming a reality at the moment anyway.
Nevertheless, he can cast doubt among the conservatives' ranks, as many already consider traditional family values to be in danger. Merkel has to be careful, too, that her coaching skills don't get questioned. The only danger at the moment, though, is that Pofalla might win an election -- as idiot of the month.