Kommentar: Befreiungsschlag von außen

The contrast could not be more stark. On Sunday evening, Joachim Gauck, speaking as a guest at the CDU's crisis seminar at the Konrad-Adenauer-Haus, forcefully appealed for unity among the political center. Just 24 hours later, the coalition presented a picture of utter disarray. Following the resignation of Social Minister Bärbel Bas, the Social Democrats orchestrated a barrage of criticism against the Union.

CDU chief Lars Klingbeil called the Union's criticism of Bas "disgraceful," while SPD leader Manuela Schwesig condemned it as "inhumane." Clearly, it was a mistake for the Union to disparage the Arbeitsministerin behind closed doors, whose stepdaughter passed away in late September. The narrative in the CDU that Bas had gone into hiding and was neglecting the pension reform had to reach the SPD's top leadership.

However, anyone who resorts to language like "inhumane" in political disputes only exacerbates the already toxic atmosphere. At the end of the week, the primary question is: How can this coalition possibly move forward in such a poisoned environment? It is worth noting that they had already failed to initiate the agreed-upon reforms.