Traffic light soundings: Why the Greens are in a hurry

Last week the Greens and the FDP emphasized that they wanted to proceed in a coordinated manner. Now Baerbock and Habeck rush forward. The liberals sense what forces could work in a traffic light alliance.

The response from the Liberals was longer in coming than announced. The press conference of party leader Christian Lindner, scheduled for eleven o’clock, began a good 30 minutes late. Perhaps that was a first sign that the self-confidence of the Greens is only partially received by the FDP – and at least causes discussions.

Lindner set the second sign right at the beginning of his statement: “We have made a substantive statement from the coalition,” emphasizes the Liberal chief, as if to reassure you. “The FDP only enters into a government of the center that strengthens the value of freedom and provides a real impetus for the renewal of our country.” With that, a big but was formulated, which created the framework for the subsequent commitment to enter into explorations with the SPD and the Greens.

Not matched?

A good hour earlier, the Green Party leaders seemed much more decisive. The previous discussions have shown that the greatest overlap in terms of content is conceivable in an alliance between the Greens, the FDP and the SPD, Robert Habeck had submitted. Possibly a procedure that was not coordinated with the FDP.

Because the undertones that resonated between the Greens and the Liberals in the morning show that the formation of a government in the three-party alliance could well be a fickle matter. It “makes sense to continue to talk more deeply with the SPD and FDP,” said Greens leader Annalena Baerbock. And the word “sensible” suggests that ten days after the election there is still a long way to go before passionate government work.

Because the three-way talks, which, according to the FDP’s request, should start tomorrow, Thursday, could quickly get caught up in the much-cited opposites. The Greens apparently want to take an offensive approach to this risk. “For us, it’s about not artificially complicating things and dragging them out,” says Habeck.

“The preliminary talks must have made some sense. If you deduce from them that everything is to be assessed equally, then you could have saved yourself that.” Lindner reports of “intensive and discreet” consultations with the Greens “despite all the differences”. In this respect, the overlap with the Union is clearer for him.

“The biscuit has not yet been eaten”

In terms of content, cooperation in a Jamaica alliance is therefore an option for the FDP. Even the Greens do not rule this out entirely. “The biscuit has not yet been eaten,” says Habeck in a dry North German way. The reason why the FDP is reluctant to deal with its own convictions in a more offensive manner lies in the extremely poor image of the Union. “The will to govern and the unity of the Union parties are discussed in public,” admits Lindner.

It is a sign that Jamaica may be a good idea for him in the end, but hardly seems feasible with the ailing Union. As a confirmation, CSU boss Markus Söder describes a possible Jamaica coalition as unlikely a little later.

That explains the Greens’ driving strategy. If a move to the Union is nothing more than a theoretical option, the FDP is obviously considered to be much more predictable in the upcoming talks with the SPD. “The questions that are ideologically divisive, some of which were exaggerated and some of which existed during the election campaign, must be clarified and pre-discussed in such a stable manner that, based on them, one then has a good feeling of advancing in a coalition agreement,” says Habeck. In the end, there must be a political commitment on which a coalition is based.

A vision from which Lindner can evidently gain something. His approach was unanimously welcomed by the executive board and parliamentary group. Even if the path that has now been taken is more reminiscent of a therapy session than a love marriage. Despite all the differences, Lindner “has a common interest”.

It was learned that a “progress-friendly center” could be formed from an understanding with the Greens. It may all sound a bit cramped, but Christian Lindner seems to give it wings: “This gives rise to a lot of imagination,” concludes the FDP leader and gives a short, mischievous smile.