German paper industry: Have enough paper for an early re-election
Published: Sunday, Nov 10th 2024, 11:00
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The German paper industry has contradicted warnings from the Federal Election Commissioner that a new election date too early could fail due to the shortage of paper in the country. "We have paper," Alexander von Reibnitz, Managing Director of the German Paper Industry Association, told ZDF television on Saturday. "The German paper industry is very efficient."
When asked whether the German paper industry would be able to supply the necessary paper for election documents quickly enough for a new election in January, von Reibnitz said: "The answer is clear: yes. If orders are placed in good time, we can supply the paper needed for an early general election."
Following the break-up of the "traffic light" coalition, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) is aiming to call a vote of confidence in January so that early elections can be held by the end of March at the latest. The CDU/CSU and the FDP are calling for an earlier date - the SPD has recently signaled a willingness to discuss this.
However, Federal Returning Officer Ruth Brand warned on Friday of "incalculable risks at all levels, especially at municipal level" if a date for the possible new elections is set too early. She referred to the time around Christmas and New Year, but also to the fact that there may not be enough paper available to print all the documents so quickly.
CDU leader Friedrich Merz once again said in "Stern" that the elections could "easily take place at the end of January". In France, there would be new elections within four weeks. "There would be an election campaign break over the holidays. We will keep the Christmas break."
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