SPD speaks to the Greens and the FDP: “Get moving” together

Now the SPD has also joined the explorations – first with the FDP, then with the Greens. All of them came to a positive conclusion after the talks. If it were up to the SPD, you could start right away with three-way talks.

After the first explorations between the SPD and FDP, the Social Democrats also held talks with the Greens. SPD general secretary Lars Klingbeil said after the meeting that they talked “about the major issues in this country” for two hours. “It was a good conversation, a very constructive conversation,” said Klingbeil. And when asked, he added: The SPD is now ready for three-way talks about a possible traffic light coalition.

Green leader Annalena Baerbock did not want to go that far, after all, the exploration with the Union is still pending. But she too emphasized the constructive nature of the meeting with the SPD: “We talked objectively about the major tasks of our time,” explained Baerbock, referring above all to digitization and “climate protection under full steam”.

Co-boss Robert Habeck added that the SPD had found a willingness to “spark a dynamic that can solve problems that have not been solved”. That was also the title of the meeting, beyond intersections and divisions: “Is there a willingness to get moving?”

The possible coalition partners were not more specific. Both sides emphasized that confidentiality had been agreed. And because that is the case, no details of the talks are disclosed.

SPD and FDP: There are still cliffs to navigate

Hours earlier, the SPD had met with the FDP for the first time. SPD general secretary Klingbeil then made an effort to make a positive impression: the talks were “very constructive”. One is aware of the shared responsibility, after all, the country – keyword: climate, digitization, Europe – is facing major challenges, according to the friendly but concise statement by the SPD General Secretary.

General Secretary Volker Wissing spoke for the FDP – and he left little doubt that there was still a long way to go to form an alliance: “Of course, it was also clear that our positions in terms of content differed on essential points,” said Wissing. “What is clear is that there are cliffs.”

For the FDP it is important to form a reform government. With whom this works best will only be assessed after all bilateral discussions. But Wissing also emphasized the constructive nature of the talks: All those involved were aware of the seriousness of the situation and did not want to “settle for the lowest common denominator”.