FDP Chief Christian Lindner is not impressed by the proposal from CDU Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz to revoke the German citizenship of dual nationals with criminal records, calling it “symbolic politics.”
According to Lindner, there are robust themes in the migration debate that need to be addressed, and he is willing to discuss the issue. However, he believes there are more pressing questions that need to be resolved first.
Lindner emphasized the need for a stronger approach to combating irregular migration, which he claims costs the social welfare system a two-digit billion amount each year. He also criticized the lack of awareness in defense policy, specifically targeting Green Party’s Economic Minister Robert Habeck, who had previously called for a 3.5% increase in the defense budget.
Lindner believes Habeck was unaware of the actual costs of such a proposal, stating that it would mean spending more on defense than the United States. The FDP chief also expressed his desire to increase the defense budget, but did not specify a percentage. He emphasized the importance of meeting NATO commitments, which currently stand at 2%.
When asked about the possibility of a Jamaica coalition between CDU, Greens, and FDP, Lindner dismissed the idea, citing the political positions of the Greens, particularly Habeck, as being too far to the left.