German FDP Leader Sees Chance for New Term as Finance Minister
In an interview, the leader of the Free Democratic Party (FDP), Christian Lindner, expressed his confidence in securing a new term as finance minister. He believes that current Finance Minister Olaf Scholz is unlikely to continue in the role, stating that he lacks one percentage point of support.
Lindner is critical of a potential coalition between the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens, which he claims would strengthen the extremes and pose a long-term threat to democracy. “Kenya would be the endgame” he said, referring to the potential consequences of such a coalition.
To prevent this, Lindner advocates for the FDP, arguing that a few voters can make a significant difference. He believes that with the FDP in the German Bundestag, a coalition between the CDU, SPD and Greens would no longer be possible. “Kenya is not necessary. And the most likely coalition would then be a Germany coalition from the Union, FDP and SPD” he said.
This, in turn, would clear the way for Lindner to return as finance minister in the next government, he hopes. In a subsequent interview, he might be greeted as the finance minister once again, he said.
Lindner also believes that there is sympathy within the CDU for his reappointment as finance minister, citing the criticism faced by CDU leader Friedrich Merz from his own party for his stance on the debt brake and his willingness to make concessions to SPD leader Olaf Scholz. Lindner thinks that some in the CDU might be saying, “We don’t want to fall in the direction of the SPD and Greens.”
Therefore, the FDP leader argues, it is better to ensure that the person who reduces taxes and upholds the debt brake and simply prioritizes investments, is the one who makes a comeback.