The CDU member of the Bundestag Friedrich Merz paid respect to the SPD, FDP and the Greens for their exploratory paper as the basis for coalition negotiations.
"I think you have presented a remarkable paper," said Merz to the editorial network in Germany.
"This is an occasion for respect and critical self-examination: we could have had that too." The CDU politician also called on the Union to adjust to the role of the opposition.
The SPD, the Greens and the FDP presented a twelve-page outcome paper on Friday, which should serve as the basis for coalition negotiations.
Among other things, it provides for the minimum wage to be increased to twelve euros per hour.
Instead of Hartz IV there should be a “citizens' money”.
The pension level is to be kept stable at 48 percent.
A basic child benefit is to be created for children in poor families.
Efforts to protect the climate are to be stepped up.
Merz, who has moved back into the Bundestag after twelve years and is traded as a possible candidate for the party chairmanship, sets himself apart from parliamentary group leader Ralph Brinkhaus, who criticized the document, with his assessment of the traffic light paper.
Merz expects traffic lights
Merz said that in his estimation there will now be a traffic light coalition.
The paper presented on Friday "testifies to the will to reach agreement and also to the willingness to govern together." Merz added: "We should prepare ourselves to be the opposition."
He was not disappointed with FDP leader Christian Lindner, who said during the election campaign that he lacked the imagination for a traffic light.
"No.
Christian Lindner, the Greens and the Social Democrats negotiated professionally with one another, "said Merz and emphasized:" Above all, they negotiated with one another in confidence. "