German Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended his dismissal of Finance Minister Christian Lindner, signaling the end of the traffic light coalition. He called for cooperation with the CDU on essential legislation before the Bundestag’s dissolution. Opposition leader Friedrich Merz accused Scholz of deepening divisions and criticized his government statement. As the SPD leads a minority government, upcoming elections are set for February 23, with polling showing CDU/CSU in the lead while SPD has dropped to third place.
Olaf Scholz Defends Coalition Shift in Bundestag
In a recent session of the Bundestag, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) stood firm in defending his decision to dismiss Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP), marking the conclusion of the traffic light coalition. Scholz asserted, “This decision was right and unavoidable,” during his government statement.
The Chancellor expressed relief over the agreement on a new election date set for February 23. He urged the Christian Democrats (CDU) to collaborate on vital legislation before the Bundestag’s dissolution, stating, “Let us act together where we agree. It would be good for our country.”
Opposition Response and Political Climate
In stark contrast, CDU leader Friedrich Merz questioned Scholz’s ability to govern, accusing him of deepening national divides. “You are dividing the country, Mr. Chancellor. You are responsible for these controversies,” Merz remarked, pointing out that Scholz has lacked a majority for the past week. He emphasized that the logical step should have been to call for a vote of confidence immediately.
Merz criticized Scholz’s government statement, suggesting it was an attempt to prolong his “term in office” for political gain, calling such behavior “unacceptable.” In a notable moment, CSU chief Markus Söder addressed the Bundestag for the first time as Bavarian Minister President, while Alice Weidel, the AfD leader and prospective chancellor candidate, also took to the floor.
However, not all parties were represented; the Greens were unable to send their likely chancellor candidate, Economics Minister Robert Habeck, due to a malfunction of the government plane in Portugal. Instead, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock filled in, while former Finance Minister Lindner, recently dismissed by Scholz, also spoke during the debate.
This debate signifies the end of the “traffic light” coalition, which has lasted nearly three years, following intense disputes over economic policies. Scholz now leads a minority government made up of the SPD and Greens, intending to hold a vote of confidence in the Bundestag on December 16. If he fails to secure a majority, the new election will proceed on February 23, leaving just 102 days for the campaign.
As the election campaign unfolds, current polling indicates a strong lead for the CDU/CSU, consistently polling above 30 percent for the past year. The SPD, the previous leading governing party, has dropped to third place with 16 to 18 percent, trailing behind the right-wing populist AfD. Meanwhile, the Greens are projected to secure 11 to 12 percent, and the FDP hovers near the crucial 5 percent threshold, while the Left party remains significantly lower. The Sahra Wagenknecht alliance (BSW) shows potential for 5 to 9 percent, indicating a shifting political landscape in Germany.