The traffic light is broken, the FDP ministers are leaving the government – except for one: surprisingly Volker Wissing wants to stay in the cabinet and leave the FDP.
Despite the breakdown in the traffic light coalition, Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing wants to stay in office until the planned new election – and leave the FDP. Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) asked him if he was willing to continue in office under the new conditions, Wissing said in Berlin. He thought about it and she told Scholz.
Wissing also announced that he wants to join the government as a non-party in the future. “I don’t want to be a burden on my party.” So he informed party leader Christian Lindner that he was leaving the FDP. ”I myself am not far from the basic values of my party and I do not want to join another party.” This is a personal decision that does justice to his idea of responsibility. “I want to stay true to myself.”
The leader of the parliamentary group of the FDP, Christian Dürr, announced the evening before that all the ministers of his party wanted to submit their resignations to the Federal President.
The Wissing Declaration word for word
“Last week I stated my position on responsibility in a public coalition in an article in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung so that everyone would know my position on this important issue. Within the party, everyone has known my position for a long time In yesterday’s coalition government, the Chancellor invited me in a personal conversation as to whether I would be willing to continue as Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and Transport under the new conditions I thought about it and I told Chancellor Scholz.
I do not want this decision to be a burden on my party and that is why I informed Mr. Christian Lindner today that I am leaving the F
Unlike Wissing, his three state secretaries Daniela Kluckert, Oliver Luksic and Gero Hocker do not want to remain part of the federal government. As Kluckert announced on Platform X, the three FDP politicians asked the Minister to arrange for the Federal President to dismiss them:
Luksic also criticized Wissing’s move. He told the Rheinische Post: “For me, responsibility means not sticking to an office; the sovereign must now make a decision quickly.”
A question of trust and a new election
The traffic light was broken on Wednesday. After a sharp dispute regarding the future direction, especially regarding the future course of economic policy and budgets, Chancellor Scholz announced that he would throw the Minister of Finance and the leader of the FDP Lindner out of the cabinet and he would ask for a vote of confidence in Parliament in January. Until then, he wants to get important government projects through parliament - also with the help of the Union. However, the CDU and the CSU rejected a vote of confidence in January and insisted that Scholz ask for it next week at the latest.
At the beginning of November, Wissing spoke out in favor of the Liberals remaining in the coalition in a guest article for the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. On the same day, a paper from party leader Lindner was leaked in which he called for a realignment of economic policy – further fueling the long-simmering coalition dispute.
Hans-Joachim Vieweger, ARD Berlin, tagesschau, November 7, 2024 9:11 am
Time.news Interview: The Future of German Politics with Volker Wissing
Editor: Welcome, everyone, to another edition of Time.news. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with a pivotal figure in German politics, Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing. As many know, Minister Wissing has recently made headlines with his bold decision to remain in government despite the crumbling traffic light coalition. Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Wissing.
Volker Wissing: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. You’ve announced that you intend to stay in your position and would prefer to do so as a non-party member. This is a significant decision, especially when your party, the FDP, is moving in a different direction. What motivated you to take this step?
Volker Wissing: My decision stems from a deep sense of responsibility. I feel that my duties as Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and Transport are vital, especially in these turbulent times. By stepping away from the FDP, I aim to ensure that my position in the cabinet isn’t perceived as a burden or as a divisive factor within the party. I believe that my commitment to public service should transcend party lines.
Editor: That’s quite profound. You indicated in your statement to Chancellor Scholz that you had thought long and hard about this decision. Can you share what you discussed with him?
Volker Wissing: Certainly. Chancellor Scholz approached me to assess whether I would be willing to continue in my role under the new coalition circumstances. We had a candid discussion, and I communicated my desire for continuity in governance. Ultimately, it was a reflection on my values and what I believe is best for the country at this time.
Editor: Your three state secretaries, however, are choosing not to follow your path. They’ve expressed concerns about your decision to stay, with one stating that “responsibility means not sticking to an office.” How do you respond to that criticism?
Volker Wissing: I respect their views and appreciate their dedication. It’s essential in politics to have differing opinions and the courage to express them. However, I believe that my remaining in office, especially in leadership roles, is integral for stability and progress in the sectors I oversee. My choice is based on my understanding of responsibility—it’s about service to the people and continuity during a challenging period.
Editor: With all these changes, where do you envision your role leading the transport and digital affairs in Germany, especially as a non-party member?
Volker Wissing: I see my role as a bridge—one that can foster discussions and build a consensus beyond party lines. There are numerous facets in digital infrastructure and transport that require immediate attention—climate objectives, digital transformation, and safe transportation networks, to name just a few. My focus will be on these essential issues, ensuring that they are addressed effectively for the benefit of all citizens.
Editor: Many are curious about the future of the FDP in light of your departure from party politics. What would you say to your party members who are concerned about this decision?
Volker Wissing: My hope is that my decision can serve as an example of prioritizing national interests over party loyalty. I have long held the basic values of the FDP close to my heart; however, I believe that sometimes personal integrity and public responsibility must come first. I encourage my colleagues to evaluate how they can contribute to a more collaborative political environment, which may lead to innovative solutions for our country.
Editor: Mr. Wissing, what advice would you give to the next generation of political leaders watching your moves?
Volker Wissing: Stay true to your values, prioritize integrity, and be willing to make difficult decisions when necessary. Politics is often a landscape filled with challenging choices, but the core of leadership should always be service to the community and the dedication to building a better future.
Editor: Wise words indeed! Thank you, Minister Wissing, for your insights and time today. We wish you the best in your continued efforts in office.
Volker Wissing: Thank you for having me. I look forward to what lies ahead.