This Week in Politics

German Tumult

Centre-right CDU leader Friedrich Merz stirred controversy by passing a non-binding piece of legislation aimed at a major curtailing of immigration with support from the far-right AfD. The move broke a long-standing taboo of not working with the far-right in Germany, leading to protests from the public, Churches and other political parties. Yet, Mr Merz, a chancellor candidate in the coming election, failed to pass the binding resolution, supported by a majority of Germans, although equally a large majority are against parties entering a coalition agreement with the AfD.

This is “an unforgivable mistake,” Chancellor Olaf Scholz, leader of the centre-left SPD, said referring to the CDU.

Former Chancellor Angela Merkel showcased her opposition to the move in a statement, reflecting the gamble Mr Merz has taken. In trying to pass his policy, hinging on AfD support, he has awoken fears over an AfD partnership, similar to the FPÖ ascendency in Austria. Whether the German electorate tolerates such a shift is for Election Day to uncover.

"I believe it is wrong to no longer feel bound by this proposal and thus, for the first time, to allow a majority with the votes of the AfD in a vote in the German Bundestag," former Chancellor Merkel said in a statement.

"Kickstarting" Growth

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has backed a proposed third runway at Heathrow Airport outside London. The runway received parliamentary approval as early as 2018 during the prime ministership of Baroness Theresa May, however, has remained in limbo due to environmental concerns. Chancellor Reeves thereby reaffirms a commitment to have the airport expand as long as the enlargement is "in line with legal environmental and climate objectives." She argues the project could add 100,000 jobs to the British economy and be finished by 2035, although others find 2050 more realistic. The move follows suit with other government announcements supporting airports' expansion in and around the London area, including City Airport and Stansted Airport. Many concerned with the environment view the shift as a climbdown of climate policy. The Guardian depicted a cartoon of protesters in which a man said "I voted Labour for 'change'" continuing "I just didn't think it would be climate change." Whether the government can deliver this long-sought promise opposed by many is one question, whether it can hold onto its climate wings is another.

Senate Confirmations

Tulsi Gabbard, viewed as one of President Trump's most difficult cabinet picks, made some headway during her Senate confirmation hearing to become Director of National Intelligence. The chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Senator Tom Cotton, opened the hearing by quelling claims that Gabbard would be a foreign “asset." Senator Susan Collins of Maine asked whether she would recommend a pardon for the whistleblower Edward Snowden. Gabbard, would not "advocate for any actions related to Snowden,” thereby potentially making inroads with a sceptical Republican. Otherwise, she was pressed over her interactions in Syria, especially with Bashar Assad, and questioned about her Russia strategy. Kansas Senator Jerry Moran of the GOP asked whether Russia would "get a pass" from her. She responded, “Senator, I’m offended by the question.”

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. did not fair quite as well. Democrats spared no energy in questioning Mr Kennedy's opinion at loggerheads with vaccines and their efficacy. Kennedy faced questions from Vermont Independent Bernie Sanders. Yet, perhaps most importantly multiple Republicans held reservations toward the nominee. With both Senator Collins and Senator Lisa Murkowski raising concerns.

“Your past of undermining confidence in vaccines with unfounded or misleading arguments concerns me,” the chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Bill Cassidy said. “Can I trust that that is now in the past? Can data and information change your opinion, or will you only look for data supporting a predetermined conclusion?” Senator Cassidy made clear that this question had not been answered by the end of the hearing. Mr Cassidy continued saying his vote would be determined by how Mr Kennedy would use his “credibility” in upholding or tarnishing public confidence in vaccinations, and  “I’ve got to figure that out.”