Scholz breaks with Lindner – end for traffic light coalition
Published: Wednesday, Nov 6th 2024, 23:40
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The traffic light coalition has collapsed. After a bitter dispute over the future course of economic and budgetary policy, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) announced that he would kick Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) out of the cabinet. Voters can now look forward to early elections in March. The break-up of the coalition comes shortly after the victory of Republican candidate Donald Trump in the US presidential election.
Scholz wants a vote of confidence
The Bundestag is to vote on a vote of confidence on January 15, Scholz said in Berlin. It is expected that he will lose this vote. In this case, the Chancellor can ask the Federal President to dissolve the Bundestag. Scholz said that the Bundestag could clear the way for early elections. These could take place by the end of March at the latest.
Reckoning with Lindner
Scholz made serious accusations against Lindner. The FDP politician was concerned with his own clientele and the short-term survival of his own party. Companies in the country need support, he said, referring to the weak economy and high energy prices. He also referred to the international situation with the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. "Anyone who refuses a solution or an offer of compromise in such a situation is acting irresponsibly. As Federal Chancellor, I cannot tolerate that."
In view of the consequences of the war in Ukraine, Scholz wanted the debt brake to be suspended. The FDP rejected this. Scholz accused Lindner of drowning out compromises during their time in government by publicly staging disputes and blocking laws in an irrelevant manner. "He has too often engaged in petty party political tactics. Too often he has broken my trust." There is no basis of trust for further cooperation. "Serious government work is not possible like this."
Struggle for solutions fails
Over the past few days, Scholz had held several meetings with Lindner and Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) to look for ways out of the crisis. In a paper against the backdrop of the economic downturn, Lindner had called for a complete reorientation of the traffic light policy. The paper calls for immediate measures such as the definitive abolition of the solidarity surcharge, including for high earners, an immediate stop to all new regulations and a change of course in climate policy. There was great resistance to this from the SPD and the Greens. Another issue was how to plug a billion-euro hole in the 2025 budget.
"Autumn of decisions"
Some time ago, Lindner proclaimed the "autumn of decisions" for the coalition, which has been in office since the end of 2021. He was referring primarily to next year's budget, which was actually due to be passed in the Bundestag on November 29. He was also talking about a strategy for leading Germany out of the economic crisis.
Habeck: Traffic light stop was unnecessary
Vice Chancellor Habeck regretted the break-up of the "traffic light" coalition. He emphasized in front of the Chancellery "that this evening feels wrong and not right". Although possible solutions were on the table, it had not been possible to close the budget gap. "The FDP was not prepared to go down these paths," said Habeck. The dismissal of Lindner was ultimately as logical as it was unnecessary.
Scholz wants to approach Merz
Scholz wants to offer the leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, Friedrich Merz (CDU), to quickly look for joint solutions to strengthen the economy and defense. "I will now very quickly seek talks with the leader of the opposition, with Friedrich Merz," said the Chancellor. He wanted to offer Merz the opportunity to work together constructively on two or even more issues "that are crucial for our country: On the rapid strengthening of our economy and our defense," said the Chancellor.
The economy cannot wait until new elections have taken place, added Scholz, adding: "And we now need clarity on how we can solidly finance our security and defense in the coming years without jeopardizing cohesion in the country." In view of the elections in America, this is "perhaps more urgent than ever".
©Keystone/SDA
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