Overview

• The coalition agreement finalized by CDU/CSU and SPD lacks a dedicated chapter or subheading addressing East Germany, drawing criticism from Bodo Ramelow.
• Ramelow labeled the measures for Eastern Germany, such as subsidies for DDR pensions and plans for data centers, as insufficient and lacking strategic focus.
• He expressed disappointment over the relocation of the Ostbeauftragte office to the Finance Ministry, dismissing it as a symbolic change with no real impact.
• The agreement's references to East Germany focus on outdated stereotypes like doping and Stasi, ignoring opportunities to leverage the region's strengths for national benefit.
• Ramelow's critique highlights ongoing dissatisfaction with the federal approach to addressing East-West disparities, as the pact awaits SPD membership approval by April 30.