Boris Rhein, the Minister President of Hesse since the end of May 2022, has held several ministerial positions in the state government and is also the chairman of the State CDU. In an interview with WELT, Rhein expressed mixed feelings about the current state of politics, noting the decline in trust in the Social Democrats and the misguided policies of the Ampel coalition. He believes a black-red coalition like the one in Hesse could bring an end to the chaos of the Ampel coalition. Rhein criticized the Greens for becoming increasingly detached from policies that work for the people, citing specific examples of disagreements during negotiations.
Regarding potential coalition options, Rhein suggested the possibility of a Germany coalition involving the CDU, SPD, and FDP, expressing optimism in the CDU’s performance in the upcoming federal elections. He emphasized the need for stability and style, suggesting a shift towards a christo-social coalition for a new direction. Rhein highlighted the recent Hessian state election as a rejection of current green policies and a call for a realpolitik renaissance that addresses pressing issues such as security, housing, migration, and economic growth.
On the topic of defense policy, Rhein stressed the importance of a strong and visible national defense to support Minister of Defense Pistorius in making the Bundeswehr operationally ready. He called for increased investments, faster equipment procurement, a strong defense force rooted in society, and the establishment of a national security council. Rhein criticized the lack of a strategic shift in defense policy within the Ampel coalition and emphasized the need for a more robust approach.
Regarding the situation in Ukraine and Russia, Rhein called for urgent support for Ukraine, including ammunition, tanks, and strategic weapons like the Taurus cruise missiles. He warned of the consequences of a Russian victory and emphasized the need to prevent further aggression. Rhein also addressed the potential impact of a Donald Trump victory in the US presidential election, noting the importance of Western unity in supporting Ukraine.
In economic policy, Rhein advocated for a focus on growth through measures such as tax incentives for longer working hours, sanctions for those refusing to work, and a new respect for performance in various aspects of life. He criticized the lack of progress in the Ampel coalition’s economic policies and called for a comprehensive economic reform package to stimulate growth. Rhein also emphasized the importance of proper prioritization in budgeting to support future investments and economic recovery while maintaining fiscal discipline.
