Lindner Rules Out Future Coalition with Scholz or Greens

Christian Lindner, the leader of the Free Democratic Party (FDP), has made it clear that he does not envisage collaborating with Olaf Scholz of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) or the Greens following the upcoming Bundestag elections. In a recent podcast, Lindner expressed doubt about the viability of Scholz's leadership after the elections, suggesting that the Chancellor would be a historical figure in German politics post-February 23.

Lindner criticized Scholz's recent proposal for increased borrowing, specifically a plan to allocate EUR15 billion beyond the debt brake to support Ukraine. He referred to this initiative as having "collapsed," referencing a parliamentary motion supported by the Union and FDP that called for a prompt submission of a financial proposal regarding additional support for Ukraine.

The FDP leader noted that the SPD's lack of opposition to this motion indicated a need to rethink the narrative surrounding the coalition, often referred to as the 'traffic light coalition,' between the SPD, FDP, and the Greens. Lindner pointed out the SPD's abstention during the vote, which he interpreted as a sign of internal disarray.

Furthermore, Lindner expressed a strong aversion to a continued partnership with the Greens, citing experiences from three years of coalition governance. He attributed the current economic stagnation and migration challenges to policies associated with the Greens, asserting that these issues have led some voters to lean towards the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). He characterized the Green party's approach as overly controlling and ineffective.

Lindner proposed that the ideal scenario for the FDP would be a coalition with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), emphasizing the need for a government that could effectively manage the country's challenges. He dismissed the possibility of a coalition that includes the Greens, or a so-called Jamaica coalition involving the FDP, CDU, and Greens, as unappealing. He did, however, mention the potential for a so-called Deutschland coalition of CDU, SPD, and FDP as a less undesirable alternative compared to continuing with Green policies.

The FDP's future in the Bundestag remains uncertain as recent polls suggest they may struggle to surpass the required five percent threshold to gain representation. Lindner's statements reflect a significant strategy shift as the party prepares for the elections, with a focus on distancing itself from its previous coalition partners.