The leader of the Free Democratic Party (FDP), Christian Lindner, has ruled out the possibility of forming a coalition with the Greens in the next German federal government. In an interview, Lindner stated that he does not see the potential for an ideologically neutral energy and climate policy, an economic shift and a new approach to migration with the Greens.
Lindner defended the FDP’s decision to bring a resolution through the Bundestag, jointly with the Union and the Alternative for Germany (AfD), on Wednesday. “We decide based on the issue, not on whether the AfD agrees or not” he said. “We are in an exceptional situation with changing majorities and that is due to Olaf Scholz’s responsibility, as he rejected my offer to hold new elections in an orderly and joint manner.”
The FDP’s decision to remove the “Zustrombegrenzungsgesetz” (a bill to limit the influx of asylum seekers) from the parliamentary agenda on Friday was motivated by the party’s attempt to gauge support for a migration policy shift in the political center, Lindner explained.
Lindner advocated for the use of “disruption” to revitalize the German economy. “Entire administrative offices can be dissolved” he said and suggested the dismissal of 20% of public servants. Additionally, he called for a departure from the climate policy path set by the Greens and the former government, recommending a target of 2050 for Germany’s climate goals, in line with the European Union’s objective.