Kühnert applauds coalition mate FDP.
In the coalition alliance, conflicts are a common occurrence, but they often find common ground. Compliments don't flow freely. SPD General Secretary Kühnt has made a rare exception for the FDP.
SPD General Secretary Kevin Kühnt gave credit to the FDP for staying in the three-way partnership with the SPD and Greens despite many disagreements within the traffic light coalition. "[Yes] - that they didn't run off in the past two and a half years," Kühnt said when asked what he admired about the Liberals. "I find that remarkable, as it goes against the usual political logic, where the FDP faces a coalition of two left-leaning parties," Kühnt stressed.
"The FDP had to travel the most difficult path to join this coalition, required the most intense pressure from within their political ranks, and endured several electoral losses since the autumn of 2021. But they didn't give up. It certainly showcases a deep sense of responsibility and deserves my admiration," Kühnt finalized.
When it comes to whether the traffic light coalition would continue after the 2025 federal election, Kühnt feels we shouldn't act out of anger over events within the coalition and endorse a small-minded response. "That would be unwise, given the challenges we currently face," Kühnt opined.
However, Kühnt took issue with the FDP's rigid position on the debt brake once more. "Besides the FDP and possibly CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann, I see very few others in the country who feel, under our present debt rules, all is well," Kühnt stated.
FDP leader Christian Lindner dismissed the notion of his party being a government-internal opposition in an interview with "Wochentaz." "There are those who assume we should ignore our voter mandate and just make red-green politics," said the Federal Finance Minister. He further expressed, "By the way, we plan to keep governing."
