Jan Schwartz

German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats sealed their first coalition with long-time foes the Greens in Hamburg on Thursday, prompting speculation about possible links at the federal level

HAMBURG, Germany; April 18, 2008.- Members of Merkel’s conservative CDU have branded the Greens unrealistic environmentalists, but after Hamburg’s CDU Mayor Ole von Beust failed to win a majority in a state election, the two unlikely partners reached a coalition agreement.

“In politics as in normal life, it is important to have the strength and the courage to walk new paths,” von Beust said at the signing of the coalition treaty in the northern port city.

“It’s not an experiment but a chance … Even if it may seem unusual to many, I’m convinced it’ll be a success for Hamburg.”

Analysts say if the CDU-Greens coalition succeeds in Hamburg it could pave the way for a new federal alliance.

Merkel welcomed the Hamburg deal, which must be confirmed by party officials.

But the chancellor reiterated the new coalition was unlikely to serve as an example for future tie-ups at the federal level, and the CDU was intent on a coalition with its traditional partner, the Free Democrats (FDP), in the 2009 general election.

“Areas of overlap (between the CDU and the Greens), which we would need, aren’t there on many points, and I will in no case fight for this,” Merkel told ZDF television.

Since the 2005 federal election — when neither the usual CDU/FDP alliance nor Social Democrats (SPD) and Greens were able to form a majority and a loveless CDU/SPD “grand coalition” was formed — strategists in both camps have searched for options.

The traditional two-way coalitions of the last half century are now less likely due to the rise of a fifth party, the Left.

Renate Kuenast, head of the Greens’ group in the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, said the Hamburg coalition was an exception, but it showed her party’s traditional tie-up with the SPD was no longer the only option.

In the Hamburg coalition talks, the Greens agreed to CDU plans to deepen the Elbe river to allow bigger ships into Europe’s second-biggest port — a project the environmental party had long opposed. On another divisive issue, a plan for a coal-fired power station, the new alliance dodged a decision.

Until now, there has been little trust between the conservatives and the environmental party.

Made up of anti-nuclear protesters from the peace movement, the Greens wore leather jackets when they arrived in parliament in 1983 and quickly caused a stir by walking out when Helmut Kohl of the CDU was sworn in as chancellor.

Greens leader Joschka Fischer once told the parliament’s conservative vice president: “With all due respect, sir, you’re an asshole.”

Kohl complained the Greens brought “hatred” into parliament.

Hamburg CDU head Michael Freytag had more positive words on Thursday, saying: “Without doubt, this is no marriage of love. But if we succeed … in turning this government programme into reality, today marks the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

(Reuters)

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