Federal Transport Minister Wissing has left the FDP. However, the former Rhineland-Palatinate FDP leader is still in the federal government. He also took over the Ministry of Justice there.
Volker Wissing announced in a press conference on Thursday that he would remain in the government – as a non-party. He did not want to be a burden to the FDP and so he informed the chairman of the FDP, Christian Lindner, that he was leaving.
“I’m not separating from my party’s core values and I don’t want to join another party,” said the Landau native. He wanted to stick to his idea of responsibility and “stay true to himself.” Until now, Wissing was state chairman of the FDP in Rhineland-Palatinate. It is not yet clear what will happen next.
On Wednesday evening, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) fired Finance Minister Lindner. It was then announced that the Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann and the Minister of Education Bettina Stark-Watzinger (both FDP) would also be resigning from their posts.
Wissing also takes over the justice department
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Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier gave Lindner, Buschmann and Stark-Watzinger their certificates of discharge. Wissing remains in office as the only cabinet member appointed by the FDP. Steinmeier also appointed him Federal Minister of Justice. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research also takes on the Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir (Greens).
That was the RLP news ticker on Thursday
++ Volker Wissing in an exclusive SWR interview ++ New Federal Minister of Finance Mainz Kukies ++ Reactions from RLP to the turning off of the traffic lights ++
Federal Minister of Transport and Justice Wissing in an exclusive SWR interview after leaving the FDP and the end of the traffic light coalition in Berlin.
Lindner “notes” Wissing’s decision
Meanwhile, the federal chairman of the FDP Lindner has commented on Wissing’s departure from the party for the first time. Lindner said briefly that he paid attention to the decision. He was not informed of anything else. “I wish it personally, at least personally, all the best.”
Fernis: Traffic lights in RLP work
He noted Volker Wissing’s decision with respect, said the leader of the FDP parliamentary group in the Rhineland-Palatinate state parliament, Philipp Fernis. He shares Volker Wissing’s view on the subject of responsibility. For his part, the phase has no impact on the work of the traffic light in the Rhine-Palatinate District. “We work together very well, the budget negotiations are constructive. People who make decisions together make politics. Obviously that was no longer possible in Berlin. It is in Rhineland-Palatinate,” Fernis explained to SWR .
The current deputy leaders of the Liberals in Rhineland-Palatinate, Daniela Schmitt and Carina Konrad, say they regret Wissing’s departure but respect his decision. “The state and the Free Democrats have a
Wissing’s position was expressed after a guest article in the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” the previous week. He then spoke out in favor of the Free Democrats remaining in government.
In the SWR interview last Sunday, Wissing had already indirectly struck a critical tone towards party leader Lindner. He does not believe that coalition partners always keep their various positions public after signing a coalition agreement.
It is essential that parties have different positions, otherwise we would have no plurality and citizens would have no choice.
However, a coalition must work out a compromise from different viewpoints that people can live well with. That is the task of a coalition, not to work out differences.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Political Expert on Volker Wissing’s Departure from the FDP
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our special interview segment. Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Anna Schneider, a political expert and analyst renowned for her deep understanding of German politics. We’re diving into a significant shift in the political landscape with Volker Wissing’s recent announcement to leave the Free Democratic Party. Dr. Schneider, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Anna Schneider: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time for German politics, and I’m glad to discuss these developments.
Editor: Volker Wissing, the former Rhineland-Palatinate FDP leader, has decided to leave the party while still holding a position in the federal government. What are your initial thoughts on this unusual move?
Dr. Schneider: It certainly is unusual and quite revealing. Wissing’s choice to step down from the FDP while retaining his ministerial role suggests a tension within the party and a personal commitment to his principles. His statement about not wanting to be a burden to the FDP speaks volumes about his perception of the party’s direction and internal challenges.
Editor: That’s an interesting point. Wissing mentioned he wanted to stay true to his core values and not join another party. How does this decision impact the FDP moving forward, especially after the recent firing of Finance Minister Christian Lindner?
Dr. Schneider: Wissing’s departure leaves the FDP in a precarious position. His former role as a state chairman in Rhineland-Palatinate was significant, and losing him may further destabilize the already fragile coalition government. Lindner’s firing has already shaken the party’s foundation. Wissing staying on as Minister of Justice without party affiliation might distance him from the party’s future decisions, potentially leading to a loss of influence for the FDP in federal decisions.
Editor: With Wissing taking over the Ministry of Justice, what implications does this have for legislative priorities, particularly regarding transport policies he has been associated with?
Dr. Schneider: It creates an interesting dynamic. As Minister of Justice, Wissing will likely focus on legal reforms that could veer into civil rights and law enforcement, which may not align with his previous transport policies. This dual role can be seen as an opportunity for him to leverage his transport experience in a justice context, but there are challenges. Balancing these responsibilities will require him to navigate complex legislative waters, especially as public focus shifts between these two areas.
Editor: Wissing’s departure comes after a series of shakes within the government. Do you think this trend could lead to a broader realignment of parties or coalitions in German politics?
Dr. Schneider: Absolutely. We’re witnessing a potential turning point not just for the FDP, but for the entire coalition. If the traffic light coalition—comprised of the SPD, Greens, and FDP—continues to fragment, it opens the door for either new alliances or a possible shift in power. Political actors might have to reconsider their strategies and start forming coalitions that could include regional parties or different ideological blocs.
Editor: how do you see public sentiment responding to these changes? Wissing emphasized his commitment to principles; do you think voters will view his decision positively?
Dr. Schneider: Public sentiment is complex. While some voters may appreciate Wissing’s integrity in maintaining his principles, others might see it as an abandonment of party loyalty during a critical time. The electorate is watching closely, especially with the recent upheavals and the broader implications for governance. Wissing may gain admiration for his bravery, but the real test will be whether he can effectively influence policy and maintain public trust as an independent minister without party backing.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Schneider, for your insights. As the political landscape evolves, it will be fascinating to see how this plays out for Wissing, the FDP, and the German government at large.
Dr. Schneider: Thank you. It’s a critical juncture, and I look forward to observing how these developments unfold.
Editor: Thanks to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed with Time.news as we continue to cover this important story and its implications for Germany’s future.