Mutual accusations between the SPD and FDP, sharp criticism of all traffic light parties in the CDU: these are the reactions from BW to the end of the traffic light coalition in the federal government.
After the traffic light coalition broke up, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) announced that he would ask a vote of confidence in the Bundestag on January 15th. Only then can a vote on the dissolution of the Bundestag and new elections take place. He blames Finance Minister Lindner for the failure – who in turn blamed the Chancellor. Scholz emphasized that he agreed with Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck (Greens) that Germany quickly needed clarity about the future political course, he said in the evening in Berlin.
This is how politicians from Baden-Württemberg react to the traffic lights being turned off
The Baden-Württemberg SPD state chairman Andreas Stoch regrets the end of the traffic light coalition in Berlin. He told SWR: “I had hoped until the end that the FDP would choose the path of state political responsibility. Instead, Christian Lindner provoked his dismissal and virtually forced Olaf Scholz to dismiss him.” That is not good for the country – especially in view of Donald Trump’s election as US President, which is unsettling many people. “New elections should now be held as soon as possible; we as the SPD accept our responsibility,” said Stoch.
The parliamentary group leader of the Baden-Württemberg FDP, Hans-Ulrich Rülke, spoke of a “sensible offer” from Christian Lindner to Olaf Scholz to end “the traffic light misery” and to have new elections at the beginning of 2025. But Olaf Scholz is stuck in his chair and would rather fire the finance minister than face an election. “It is to be feared that Scholz will want to force his way through a minority government until the federal election in order to remain in power,” Rülke told SWR.
CDU parliamentary group leader Hagel: “Worst Federal Government any times”
The Baden-Württemberg CDU state chairman Manuel Hagel called the failure of the traffic light coalition “historic” and attributed the responsibility for it equally to the SPD, the Greens and the FDP. “Germany needs support, orientation and leadership,” said Hagel. But the members of the traffic light government instead delivered “persistent arguments, ideology and a pure focus on party interests.” No member of this federal government can acquit themselves of this. “Every single person will have a negative place in the history books as part of this worst federal government of all time,” said Hagel.
The parliamentary group leader of the Greens in the state parliament of Baden-Württemberg, Andreas Schwarz, reacted to the break in the traffic light by criticizing Federal Finance Minister Lindner. His behavior irritated him, Schwarz told SWR. “He has done himself and the government’s work a disservice. The Chancellor has put an end to the behavior.” Successful politics requires stability and reliability, Schwarz continued. Baden-Württemberg shows every day how a well-functioning coalition works together.
Anton Baron, chairman of the AfD in the state parliament, called for quick new elections on his Facebook page. “This disastrous coalition should never have existed.
The damage that Scholz, Lindner and Habeck have caused is immeasurable,” said Baron.
Broadcast on Wed, November 6th, 2024 11:00 p.m., SWR1 BW News
Further news about the traffic lights in Berlin
