Former Bundestag President Bärbel Bas (SPD) has called on the three coalition parties to argue less and to celebrate each other's successes.

"All three governing parties, both factions, all involved should not only fight for their own successes, but also begrudge their respective partners successes," Bas told the "Tagesspiegel" (Saturday edition). "If we constantly envy the other, we've already lost." The future government wants to "govern constructively, instead of constantly arguing like in the traffic light coalition," said Bas.

The motto of the coalition agreement, "Responsibility for Germany," is "an obligation." Differences of opinion between the SPD, CDU, and CSU are "not a problem," Bas said. "But we should resolve differences behind closed doors. People don't want a constant squabble in public. The SPD shouldn't try to stifle ideas from the CDU/CSU just because they come from the CDU/CSU. Or vice versa." Between the designated Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and the designated Vice Chancellor, SPD leader Lars Klingbeil, she "already sensed a serious basis of trust during the coalition negotiations," Bas said. That's good. "Without a resilient axis between Friedrich Merz, Lars Klingbeil, and Alexander Dobrindt, it won't work. The same applies, by the way, to the parliamentary groups and their leadership," Bas said. "Without trust, successful governing will be difficult." As Chancellor, Merz will represent the entire country. The three governing parties make decisions for the entire country. "Of course, there are departmental responsibilities, but we have to think outside the box," Bas said. The SPD will "work with all its might for solid economic growth. Regardless of the fact that the CDU will appoint the Minister of Economic Affairs." Referring to the CSU-led Interior Ministry, she said: "Of course, the SPD is fighting for a strong police force and internal security." Bas praised the CDU/CSU's nomination of three executives as ministers and promised a "surprise" in the SPD cabinet team. "Fresh air is vital. It's good that the CDU will bring external experience into the government," she said. "I'm sure the SPD team will offer a mix of plenty of experience and new faces. Perhaps we'll even manage at least one surprise."