Lindner still sees "some work to be done" before agreement on the budget
Lindner expressed himself at an event marking the 75-year anniversary of the scientific advisory board of the Finance Ministry. Afterwards, he joined a further round of talks with Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) on the budget.
In such negotiations, it is often the case, "that one first removes the small things," said Lindner. It then requires "sometimes particularly great strength" to eliminate the rest. "But don't worry: We'll get it all."
At the discussion event, Lindner defended his resistance to a renewed suspension of the debt brake, as demanded by the SPD. "Our country doesn't have a shortage of money, but rather often enough a shortage of courage to set priorities," said the FDP leader. The debt brake serves to make public finances sustainable. Lindner criticized that in the current debate on the 2025 budget, "applause of the day" was often sought.
"Coercively," for Lindner, are also "measures regarding social benefits." The Finance Minister referred to payments to refugees from Ukraine. Their employment rate in Germany is significantly lower than in other host countries, he said. "That's not about the people, but about the system. That's why we need Quick-Fixes," that is, quick changes, regarding social benefits.
- In the budget negotiations, both Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) engaged with Christian Lindner from the FDP.
- Despite pressure from the SPD, Lindner maintained his opposition to a renewed suspension of the debt brake, arguing that Germany has a shortage of courage to prioritize, not money.
- During his speech at the event, Robert Habeck, the Greens' Economics Minister, stated that sometimes eliminating budget issues requires "great strength" and removing "small things" first.
- After expressing his views at the event, Lindner held discussions with Habeck and Scholz about the budget, emphasizing the importance of addressing "measures regarding social benefits" carefully, avoiding "coercive" measures.
- Robert Habeck, along with Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Christian Lindner, will need to find an Agreement on the budget and employment-related issues, focusing on both fiscal sustainability and social benefits for refugees from Ukraine.
