A governing body resembling a traffic signal system. - Kühnert commends FDP for not fleeing.
SPD General Secretary Kevin Kühnert has expressed admiration for the FDP's perseverance in their current coalition partnership with the SPD and the Greens, despite numerous differences. Specifically, Kühnert told the "Welt am Sonntag," "Yes, I'm glad they didn't abandon ship in the last two and a half years." He further elaborated, "This is remarkable, because in standard political practice, the FDP would be seen as an unwelcome participant in a joint left-of-center government."
The FDP faced significant criticism and pressure to withdraw from the coalition, particularly after several election setbacks since the autumn of 2021. However, Kühnert commended the party, "They didn't give up, which initially indicates a sense of responsibility that I can respect."
As for a potential reformation of the traffic light coalition post-2025 Federal Election, Kühnert suggested, "We should not let our anger over certain events in the coalition lead us to exclude them as a punitive measure. This would be unwise considering the larger challenges we face."
However, he did express reservations about the FDP's restrictive policies surrounding the debt brake. "No one else in the country, aside from the FDP and possibly the CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann, is as rigorous in maintaining that our debt rules are functioning properly," Kühnert commented.
FDP leader Christian Lindner refuted claims in the "wochentaz" that his party was acting as an internal opposition within the coalition. "They assume the FDP would disregard its voter mandate and just help with red-green politics," stated the Federal Finance Minister. He concluded, "For the record, we intend to continue governing."
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- Despite facing criticism from various parties, including the SPD, the Green Party, and even their own base led by Kevin Kühnert, the FDP has remained steadfast in their coalition partnership with SPD and the Greens in Berlin, now known as the 'Traffic light coalition'.
- Kühnert highlighted the FDP's resilience in the coalition, stating that their perseverance in the face of adversity, such as the election setbacks in autumn 2021, is a testament to their sense of responsibility.
- As the 2025 Federal Election approaches, Kühnert suggested that the coalition should not exclude the FDP from any future reformation as a form of punishment, considering the collective challenges the country is likely to face.
- The SPD's General Secretary, Kevin Kühnert, has acknowledged the FDP's strict adherence to debt rules, expressing reservations particularly about the party's position on maintaining the debt brake, a policy deviation from the rest of Germany.
- Christian Lindner, the FDP leader, rejected claims by "wochentaz" that his party was acting as an internal opposition within the coalition, reaffirming their commitment to continuing to govern in the best interest of Germany.
