- Green Party reacts calmly to FDP proposal from the Federal Government
The decisions of the FDP leadership body at the federal level regarding free parking in city centers have been met with a calm response from the Greens in Rhineland-Palatinate, at least publicly. "We also fundamentally value lively city centers as crucial for social cohesion," the state association repeats one of the key three goals from the Rhineland-Palatinate coalition agreement, which the FDP has taken the lead on. "That's why we advocate for a diverse range of offerings in retail, gastronomy, and culture." Reliable access to these by various means of transport is also important.
The "Roadmap for the Future" of the federal FDP proposes: more cars into city centers through free parking, minimal conversion of streets into bike lanes and pedestrian zones, and no general speed limit on highways.
Especially city centers are suitable for forward-looking – and thus also climate-compatible – mobility concepts, emphasize the Greens, without going into detail about the demands from the federal FDP. "This includes attractive bike routes, adequate public transport, connected sharing services, and easily accessible transfer points."
This makes the party sound quite similar to the FDP-led Ministry of Transport in Mainz, headed by Daniela Schmitt, successor to Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing. Investments in transport infrastructure have been consistently high, said a ministry spokesman. "This includes well-developed, safe, and efficient roads, as well as corresponding bike and pedestrian paths, and an attractive public transport and on-demand service."
In contrast to the FDP's proposed "Roadmap for the Future" focusing on free parking and minimal conversion of streets, the Greens advocate for a balanced approach in city centers, encompassing reliable access via various modes of transport, such as bike routes, public transport, sharing services, and transfer points. The importance of transport and telecommunications in fostering a vibrant city center is shared by both the Greens and the FDP-led Ministry of Transport in Mainz, prioritizing investments in infrastructure that cater to diverse transportation needs.
