FDP leader Christian Lindner expressed regret over the premature release of his economic policy paper, which critiques aspects of the current coalition’s approach. While some SPD and Green politicians responded sharply, key figures chose to remain cautious. Lindner’s proposals emphasize a shift in economic policy, including the abolishment of the solidarity surcharge for high earners and a reevaluation of climate policy. Amidst ongoing economic challenges, coalition disagreements on the way forward are becoming increasingly apparent, with opposition parties calling for new elections.
FDP leader Lindner seems to wish he had discussed his economic paper internally first, as he claims it was published inadvertently. While some criticism of the coalition is predictably sharp, key politicians remain restrained.
Members of the SPD and the Greens have voiced their concerns regarding the economic policy framework presented by Christian Lindner, the Federal Minister of Finance and leader of the FDP. In this document, he distances himself from aspects of the existing coalition policies. However, leaders from the coalition partners have taken a cautious stance in their responses.
Lindner advocates for a ‘shift in economic policy’ and a ‘partial fundamental revision of political decisions.’ He emphasizes that an immediate priority should be the complete abolition of the solidarity surcharge, even for high earners; a halt to all new regulations; and a shift in climate policy. He calls for a comprehensive ‘realignment’ of economic policy.
‘Some see this paper as a divorce decree,’ Nadine Bader, ARD Berlin, on Lindner’s economic policy framework
SPD Politician Critiques ‘Neoliberal Sentiments’
Martin Rosemann, the workforce and social policy spokesperson for the SPD parliamentary group, told the Tagesspiegel: ‘What we need now is not papers but collective action to swiftly assist the industry and ensure security. We particularly do not need opposition within the government.’ Another SPD member, Nils Schmid, referred to Lindner’s paper as ‘neoliberal jargon,’ stating that the FDP fails to provide answers to pressing questions, such as how to maintain industrial jobs and reduce industrial electricity prices.
SPD General Secretary Matthias Miersch did not assess the paper’s content but highlighted the importance of a constructive and solution-oriented process involving all parties, as mentioned in comments made to Funke Media Group newspapers. Green Party leader Omid Nouripour expressed a similar cautious outlook: ‘We, the Greens, are always ready to discuss any sincere proposals from our coalition partners for the benefit of our country,’ he stated in an interview with t-online and Funke newspapers. ‘Ultimately, a resolution comes when proposals adequately address the seriousness of the situation.’
Andreas Audretsch, Deputy Chair of the Green parliamentary group, was more explicit: ‘This paper is a smokescreen. It would be more important for the Finance Minister to focus on the budget.’ A crucial meeting of the Bundestag’s budget committee regarding the 2025 budget is scheduled for mid-November, where billion-euro gaps need to be addressed.
Lindner Laments Disclosure
Lindner himself lamented that the paper had been made public due to indiscretion. He wrote in an email to party colleagues, which was obtained by the dpa news agency, that it was meant to be reviewed only within the closest circle of the federal government. This was previously reported by the Bild newspaper.
After the summit at the Chancellery, the economy remains perplexed, and there are plans for a repeat meeting.
Coalition Divided on Economic Solutions
The backdrop of the paper is the current crisis facing the German economy. All three coalition partners agree that action is necessary, but there are significant differences in opinion on how to proceed.
The disagreements have become increasingly apparent in recent weeks. Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) convened an industrial summit, from which neither Economic Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) nor Finance Minister Lindner were invited. In response, the FDP parliamentary group organized a kind of counter-summit with industry associations. Habeck proposed a multi-billion euro, debt-financed sovereign fund to promote corporate investments.
Lindner referenced this in his email to party colleagues: ‘With my concept, I propose an alternative directional decision for our country. We will now discuss this in the context of the government and coalition.’
What might happen after a premature end to the coalition? Here’s an overview.
‘Final Declaration’
Politicians from the opposition see the coalition at its end. Thorsten Frei, the parliamentary manager of the Union in the Bundestag, told the Rheinische Post: ‘It’s time for the government to clear the way for new elections. It would be the last service they could provide to our country.’ He characterized Lindner’s paper as an ‘ultimate divorce decree.’ Scholz can hardly move on as if everything is normal.
CSU leader Markus Söder echoed similar sentiments, stating, ‘The only thing that matters now is new elections—immediately,’ he told Bild. ‘A government that sends conflicting papers to one