Scholz throws Lindner out – international press complains

by times news cr

International reactions to the traffic lights ⁣being turned⁤ off

“Not the only colossal misjudgment of the ⁢evening”


Updated on November ​7, 2024Reading time: 6 min.

Christian‍ Lindner: The FDP party leader is⁤ left in a shambles after being fired by the Chancellor. (Source: ‍Christoph Soeder/dpa)

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has dismissed the FDP from government. The traffic light only flashes red-green. This​ decision⁤ caused international ⁢consternation.

After weeks of struggle, mutual accusations and slogans of perseverance, the traffic light government is⁤ history. Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost ⁤his patience on Wednesday ⁤evening, as‍ the t-online⁢ capital city reporters describe it in their background ⁢piece on the drama between the FDP and the rest of the government. Now the SPD and the Greens are without their coalition partner and have no majority in the Bundestag.

A minority government is expected to push through legislative proposals by mid-January – and hopes‍ for cooperation with the Union. But how realistic and‌ sensible⁢ is ⁤that in fragile political times like these? The reactions of the international press speak volumes: ⁤Europe seems unsettled and even stunned by the ⁢rift.

“Olaf Scholz​ remains true to himself even in decline. ⁢While the‍ Chancellor insulted the liberal Finance Minister Christian⁢ Lindner at his press conference in Berlin on Wednesday​ evening as a ‌small-minded and untrustworthy tactician ⁣and threw him out of the

Ultimately, ⁣Scholz⁢ is paying for his inability ‌to⁤ give⁢ an identity and direction to an experiment that was ‌supposed to modernize Germany. He was out of luck because⁤ the war‌ in⁤ Ukraine broke out immediately with all its consequences ⁢for Germany. Now it is up to Federal President‍ Frank-Walter Steinmeier⁤ to control the crisis⁢ from Bellevue Palace – as often happened in⁢ the Italian ⁢presidential ‍palace. With the crisis,‍ Germany seems to be reenacting an ‍Italian drama that no one in this country has ever played before.

“Just at ‍the moment​ when⁤ Donald Trump wins elections ​in the ​USA ​- ‌which means turbulent ​times‌ for Europe and Germany – the German ‍government is in crisis.⁢ After the meeting of⁣ the three governing parties on Wednesday evening, an angry ⁣Chancellor Olaf Scholz declared that a Cooperation with the liberal Finance‍ Minister Christian Lindner is no longer ​possible.

Scholz – like the Green Vice ⁣Chancellor and Economics Minister Robert Habeck – wants to pursue a⁤ policy that costs money. He wants to award funding to reduce high⁣ energy⁣ costs, save jobs, provide investment bonuses‍ and guarantee that ⁢Ukraine is not on its ‍own.

The return of ‌Donald Trump to ⁣the White‍ House was an additional reason for Scholz to ‍spend⁣ money on strengthening Germany. He had suggested​ to‌ Lindner that the ‍debt brake​ be lifted ​in order ‌to finance ‌these high⁤ costs. But Lindner,‍ who defended the German tradition of a balanced budget, did​ not want to agree to this. Lindner returned to ‌the liberal ​concept ⁣that companies should‌ be given​ as much freedom as possible so that the economy can grow. ⁢This is a ⁢different vision than the one ⁢that underpinned the 2021 coalition agreement.

“Habeck’s argument ‍that if Donald ‌Trump wins the election, the federal‌ government would have to stand together and demonstrate stability all the ⁤more urgently, Lindner had not been able‌ to gain⁣ much acceptance in⁢ the past few weeks.‌ Perhaps, he recently‍ mused in a small circle, ⁢a new ⁤election for‍ the ‍Bundestag in the spring would make⁤ much more sense⁤ , because Trump is still in the process of putting together his government. If, on the ⁤other ​hand, the election‌ takes place in the fall, Germany will be in election campaign mode for practically the entire ⁤summer​ and ⁢will be unable⁣ to act – and therefore just at the moment when Trump may be making his first ‌far-reaching ⁣decisions⁤ in the‌ security, economic and⁣ trade policy cases.”

How might the political instability in Germany influence⁤ its response to international issues, such as the war in Ukraine?

Interview: The​ Political Fallout in Germany – A ⁣Conversation​ with Dr. Lena Müller, Political Analyst

Editor (Time.news): ‌Welcome, Dr. Müller! Thank you for joining us to discuss the recent upheaval in German politics. The dismissal of the FDP by Chancellor Olaf‌ Scholz has⁢ sent shockwaves, not only within Germany but across Europe. How do you assess this sudden⁤ change?

Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me. Indeed, this is⁣ a significant moment in German politics. The dissolution⁢ of the coalition marks a critical juncture, particularly as⁣ it signals⁣ deep divisions within the government and raises questions about ​the stability of future governance in Germany.

Editor: The coalition, often referred ​to as the “traffic light government,” was formed to bring together different political ideologies. What do you think led to this​ collapse, ​and why⁣ now?

Dr. Müller: The tensions‌ within the coalition have been brewing for ⁢weeks, with mutual accusations and struggles for power. Scholz’s decision to​ dismiss the FDP seems to ​stem from​ a combination of frustration over their performance and a desire to reassert authority. The backdrop⁢ of a challenging geopolitical environment, especially the ⁢ongoing war​ in Ukraine, has only⁢ complicated these dynamics.

Editor: International reactions seem to reflect a⁣ sense of bewilderment and concern. How would you ​characterize Europe’s stance on this ⁢political ⁤fallout?

Dr. Müller: Many in Europe are unsettled.​ The timing is particularly troublesome with Donald Trump regaining‍ traction in the US and potential implications for transatlantic relationships. Leaders across Europe are watching Germany closely, worried that internal instability might ‍hinder collective responses to⁤ broader challenges like economic recovery⁣ and security policies.

Editor: Scholz’s remarks labeling Finance Minister⁣ Christian Lindner as “small-minded and untrustworthy” certainly caught media attention. ‌What does this say about Scholz’s leadership style?

Dr. Müller: His comments reveal a⁢ tense atmosphere and a breakdown in trust​ within ⁢the coalition. Scholz’s leadership style, ​marked by ​pragmatism, is under strain. ⁢Dismissing a key​ ally publicly‍ might have been ⁣an attempt to galvanize support from his own party and the Greens, but it risks portraying him as ⁢unable ​to manage his coalition effectively.

Editor: What does the future look like for Germany without the FDP in ‌the government? Can you explain the implications of a potential minority ​government?

Dr. Müller: A minority government could potentially push through urgent legislation—but with challenges. Collaborating with the opposition Union party might be necessary, but navigating this​ in a fragmented political landscape will be difficult. The SPD​ and Greens would need to find common ground while appealing to a populace that desires stability and clear direction.

Editor: ⁢You‌ mentioned the ⁤risk of⁤ “repeating an‌ Italian drama.” Could you elaborate on that comparison?

Dr. Müller: Historically, Italy has‍ experienced frequent government‌ changes⁢ and instability, often characterized by dramatic political⁤ shifts. If Germany were to enter a similar period of turmoil—navigating multiple⁤ crises ⁢without a solid coalition—the implications for Europe could be profound. It would shift perceptions of Germany as a ​stable leader in the​ EU, particularly during times of⁢ crisis.

Editor: with the upcoming mid-January legislative ‍proposals and the​ uncertain alliance with the‍ Union, what​ should‌ we be watching out for in the coming weeks?

Dr. Müller: Keep an eye on the dialogue between the SPD, ​Greens, and the‌ Union.‌ Legislative agendas will likely reflect immediate responses to economic pressures and public sentiment. As events unfold, the degree of cooperation ‍or further fracturing among these parties will be crucial indicators of ⁣both Germany’s internal dynamics and its ⁣role in European leadership.

Editor: Thank you, Dr. Müller,​ for sharing your insights. The political ‌landscape in Germany is ⁢undoubtedly ⁢complex and evolving—an ongoing story that will⁤ shape not just Germany’s future, but also the broader European context.

Dr. Müller: Thank you​ for having me. It will be fascinating to see how this all unfolds.

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