The leader of Germany’s Free Democrats (FDP) is set to propose that his party formally rule out any future coalition with the Greens, citing irreconcilable differences from their previous time in government.
Reflecting on the challenges within the collapsed governing coalition, as well as the events of the past week, Christian Lindner told the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger newspaper on Sunday.
Stadt-Anzeiger said that he would propose to the federal party conference that his party rule out any coalition with the Greens.
Lindner, who previously served as finance minister, was sacked by Chancellor Olaf Scholz in November.
He set off the collapse of Germany’s governing coalition of the centre-left Social Democrats, the Greens, and the pro-business FDP.
Lindner is now seeking to shore up his party’s position ahead of the early national election on Feb. 23.
He argued that key FDP priorities such as economic growth, a pragmatic migration policy, and an energy policy free of ideology are incompatible with the Greens’ agenda.
Linder said the Greens stand for uncontrolled migration, heating chaos, and paternalism, arguing that Germany needs a shift in direction.
The FDP is set to hold its party conference on Feb. 9.
The party has been struggling in opinion polls, which show support for the party hovering around the 5 per cent threshold generally needed to take seats in German parliament. (dpa/NAN)
