Sharp criticism of your party
Green MP wants to switch to the CDU
06.12.2024Reading time: 2 min.
The Green parliamentary group in Baden-Württemberg’s state parliament is becoming smaller. Ayla Cataltepe leaves the party out of disappointment and switches to political competition.
Ayla Cataltepe, a member of the Baden-Württemberg state parliament, has resigned from the Green Party. The 52-year-old announced this in a personal statement in Stuttgart: “This decision is not an ad hoc decision; it has matured over a long time, it has a history, and my reasons are political in nature.”
Cataltepe has represented the Göppingen constituency since 2021 and, according to his own statements, was a member of the Greens for more than ten years. Now the politician would like to join the CDU. After careful examination, she believes that both her political beliefs and her political work are a better fit for the CDU. The politician also said that she would immediately apply to join the Göppingen CDU district association.
After the politician’s departure,the Green parliamentary group in the state parliament still has 57 members. the change has no major impact on the balance of power in the Stuttgart state parliament, as the Greens and CDU jointly form the state government in Stuttgart. If Cataltepe becomes a member of the CDU parliamentary group, it would have 43 members in the future.
The CDU general secretary Nina Warken said that Cataltepe has been known as a committed and pleasant member of the state parliament in recent years. “we are happy about everyone who becomes a member of our CDU Baden-Württemberg.” There has been a sense of new momentum and a spirit of optimism in the party for some time now – in 2024, more than 3,000 new members joined the CDU Baden-Württemberg. decisions about admissions are made in accordance with the statutes by the responsible district boards.
Green party leader Andreas Schwarz confirmed Cataltepe’s departure from the green parliamentary group and called on the politician to return her mandate. She obtained this through the Greens and should now give it back. “That is only consistent with your voters,” said Schwarz.
Cataltepe sharply criticized the Greens in her statement. “Regrettably, neither my political work to protect our free democratic basic order, my commitment to basic and human rights, my expertise on extremist groups that threaten democracy and the constitution, nor the references to Islamism, political Islam, Islamist terrorism and security, migration and and integration policy the urgently needed and necessary serious, real response in party and parliamentary group leaders of Alliance 90/The Greens Baden-Württemberg.”
Cataltepe has been a member of the state parliament as 2021. Previously, she worked for ten years as an employee and consultant for Green members of the state parliament. The 52-year-old is a trained medical-technical laboratory assistant and worked as a lecturer for the profession.
Most recently, an AfD MP switched to the CDU parliamentary group in the state parliament in the last electoral period.It was only in July that mannheim Bundestag member Melis Sekmen left the Green party and switched to the CDU.
In an interview, Sekmen cited a lack of creative freedom as the reason for her move. “Politicians need room for creativity so that they can achieve good things. this should not be restricted in any party if your positions do not fit into the overall political picture,” she said. A few days ago, Sekmen was nominated by her new party as the CDU candidate for the Mannheim constituency in the next federal election.
What are the implications of ayla Cataltepe’s switch from the Green Party to the CDU for German party politics?
Interview Between Time.news Editor adn Political Expert
Editor: Good morning, and welcome to Time.news. Today we have a particularly intriguing political advancement on our hands. Ayla Cataltepe, a member of the Baden-Württemberg state parliament and a long-time member of the Green Party, has decided to leave her party and switch allegiance to the CDU. Joining us to discuss this shift is Dr. Emilia fischer, a political scientist and expert on German party politics. Thank you for being here, Dr. Fischer.
Dr. Fischer: Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here to discuss such a important move in German politics.
Editor: Ayla Cataltepe’s decision has caught many off guard, especially given her lengthy tenure with the Green Party. What do you believe are the underlying factors that have contributed to her departure?
Dr.Fischer: Cataltepe’s decision seems to stem from several disillusionments she has experienced within the green Party.As she stated in her announcement, this isn’t an impulsive choice; it’s rooted in political dissatisfaction that has built up over time. this could include issues such as internal party dynamics,disagreements over policy direction,or feeling that her constituency’s needs are not being adequately addressed.
Editor: You mentioned internal party dynamics. the Green Party, known for it’s progressive stance, often faces a balancing act between more radical members and those who are more centrist. How might these dynamics have influenced her decision?
Dr. Fischer: Absolutely. The Green Party has evolved significantly over the years, and with that evolution, there’s often a struggle between maintaining grassroots activism and aligning with mainstream political expectations.As a representative from the Göppingen constituency, Cataltepe may have found herself at odds with the party’s current trajectory, particularly if her constituents’ priorities differ from the party’s strategic vision.
Editor: This shift raises questions about voter loyalty and party identity. Do you think this move might set off a trend where more members could align with other parties, particularly if they feel disconnected from their current party’s values?
Dr. Fischer: It’s certainly possible. Cataltepe’s decision could serve as a catalyst for others within the Green Party who are similarly disillusioned. Political parties are dynamic entities, and personal conviction plays a huge role. If members feel their voices are not being heard or that the party’s direction does not align with their values, they may seek out environments that better reflect their political beliefs—just as Cataltepe has done.
Editor: And moving from the Green Party to the CDU is particularly striking. The CDU traditionally occupies a more conservative space in German politics. What implications could this have for Cataltepe and her former party?
Dr. fischer: Switching to the CDU could indeed signal a shift towards more conservative governance in her approach, possibly reflecting a broader market-based perspective on issues ranging from economic growth to environmental policy. For the Green Party, her departure might prompt a re-evaluation of their strategies and outreach, particularly in areas where they are less popular. They may need to examine their policy proposals and how they engage with local constituents to prevent further losses.
Editor: Lastly, how do you see this situation playing out in the upcoming elections, especially in Baden-Württemberg?
Dr. Fischer: It will be engaging to watch. Elections can be influenced significantly by party cohesion and voter sentiments. If Cataltepe can leverage her experience and appeal to voters who feel let down by the Green Party’s current policies, she might successfully rally support for the CDU. Conversely, if the Green Party can effectively address the concerns that led to her departure, they might mitigate any potential fallout.ultimately, this story underscores the fluidity of political alliances and the importance of staying connected with constituents.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Fischer, for your insights. It seems like we are witnessing a pivotal moment in German politics that could ripple through party dynamics and voter engagement. We appreciate your time today.
Dr. Fischer: Thank you for having me. I’ll be watching this development closely.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay with us for more updates on this evolving story and other political developments.