The FDP accuses the co-governing partners in the "Ampel" coalition of their election loss.
Instead of Kemmerich, Lindner still insists on sticking with the traffic light coalition at the national level despite the "aggravating loss" in the elections. "We hold differing opinions on this matter," declared the FDP leader. Lindner explained his stance by pointing out that there are still "several legislative projects that matter to us greatly."
Specifically, the federal finance minister referred to the growth initiative the government has in mind - mainly the tax reductions related to it, the revision of personal retirement provision, and the introduction of a capital market-driven intergenerational pension scheme.
The immigration and asylum policy reforms agreed upon in the government's "security package" are also to be carried out, Lindner emphasized. He made it clear that the FDP is open to additional measures on this issue, which will now be discussed with the states and the CDU/CSU. "Change is necessary," demanded the FDP leader. "People are tired of the state losing control over immigration and immigration into Germany," he stated.
In the Thuringia state elections, the FDP only managed to garner 1.1% of the votes, and in Saxony, less than 1%. Unlike Lindner and Kemmerich, the Saxon FDP's top candidate, Robert Malorny, also announced a review of his party's defeat. "We must pose some serious questions to ourselves," he said, suggesting the need to reconsider the party's focus and topic selections. Malorny also touched upon the impact of the negative federal trend.
Despite the election defeat, Lindner remains committed to pushing forward with the traffic light coalition's legislative projects, such as the growth initiative and immigration reforms. Recognizing the FDP's poor performance in the Thuringia and Saxony state elections, Malorny calls for self-reflection, suggesting a reevaluation of the party's focus and topics.
