FDP leader Christian Lindner speaks in an interview about red lines in possible coalition negotiations after the federal election in 2021.
Frankfurt - The liberals could tip the scales in the formation of a government after the federal election in 2021 *.
We spoke with FDP * boss Christian Lindner * about the difficult role of his party.
We start with two questions that readers have asked us because they fear that politicians will never tell them the truth: How are we ever supposed to repay the debts that have accrued because of Corona *?
Christian Lindner: Through a strong economy, with products that are successful on the world markets and well-paid jobs that provide funds to finance the state and free it from debt.
In the first “Triell” of the Chancellor candidates, none of the three dared to say what the fight against climate change will cost. Does the FDP top candidate dare to talk about burdens on citizens?
Christian Lindner: According to the studies available to date, it will cost around two to 2.5 billion euros to make Germany climate-neutral in the decade but one.
This shows that we have to tackle climate protection as efficiently as possible, not with expensive symbolic politics like the Greens *.
Cost control works best in market-based competition when engineers and consumers work together to find the best way to save CO2.
We need a change in strategy - away from bans, detailed state control and individual subsidies towards a market economy system with openness to technology and inventive talent.
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FDP chairman Christian Lindner speaks before the general election about possible coalitions and the terms of his party.
© Kirchner-Media / Wedel / Imago Images
Interview on the 2021 federal election: Christian Lindner does not want to "ingratiate" himself and the FDP
You don't want to specifically promote renewable energies?
Christian Lindner: Renewable energies are already marketable.
Additional subsidies are no longer required.
Instead, we need fast planning and approval procedures, especially for offshore wind energy off the coast.
We may also need federal planning approval for nationally important infrastructure such as power lines.
They prefer a coalition led by the CDU * even in the event that the Union does not become the strongest force. Why are you curious about it so much?
Christian Lindner: We don't curry favor.
We are an independent party and have our own program.
We focus on the freedom of the individual.
There is greater proximity to the CDU and CSU * than to the SPD * and the Greens.
Mr Scholz cannot assume that he will become Chancellor just because he is now ahead in the polls.
History has shown that it is important to get a majority in the Bundestag behind you.
To person |
|
Surname |
Christian Lindner |
age |
42 years old (born on January 7, 1979 in Wuppertal) |
Spouse |
Dagmar Rosenfeld (2011-2020) |
Political party |
Free Democratic Party (FDP) |
government office |
Party Chairman (since 2013) |
Federal election 2021: Christian Lindner names red lines for possible coalitions
If the Greens do not want to follow the Jamaica idea because they are more closely related to the SPD, the only government option for the FDP would be a traffic light coalition. What should Olaf Scholz * offer you?
Christian Lindner: We cannot completely dictate our own course to others, that is clear.
But you have to see whether an offer still corresponds to what you are convinced of and what commitments you have given the voters.
What should be included in an offer in terms of content?
Christian Lindner: I'll give you some examples.
We would check: Is there an initiative for a better education system.
Second, we need to kickstart the recovery of our economy.
Third: a rational climate policy.
Where are your red lines?
Christian Lindner: No tax increases and no loosening of the debt brake - these are our guard rails.
It is possible to wrestle within the guard rails.
Interview with Christian Lindner: No bans and expropriations with the FDP
Would your constituents once again forgive you for turning down a possible participation in government, especially if that would pave the way for a left-wing alliance?
Christian Lindner: The FDP is capable of compromise, as our government participation in the federal states shows.
But we are also able to make tough decisions like in 2017, when we had to cancel the left shift in German politics planned by the CDU and the Greens.
There will be no shift to the left with us this time either.
Olaf Scholz has recently clearly distinguished himself from the Left Party in terms of content. Do you think he's just keeping the red-green-red option open so he can negotiate harder with you?
Christian Lindner: I believe that in truth large parts of the SPD and also the Greens are flirting with the Left Party *.
Because bans and expropriations would not be possible with the FDP.
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The FDP relies fully on its chairman, Christian Lindner, in the election campaign for the federal election.
© Blatterspiel / imago
How do you want to finance modernization and digitization in education?
Christian Lindner: Because the federal government is more involved.
I would be in favor of reducing the excessive subsidies in the federal budget, for example for business e-cars, and rather strengthening education.
The federal government should also be able to set quality standards.
Federal election 2021: For Christian Lindner, the "practical results" count
How would you like to secure the pension * for the young generation?
Christian Lindner: Within the statutory pension, we want to save two pension contribution points to invest in securities on the international capital market under state responsibility based on the Swedish model.
In this way we can stabilize the contribution for the younger and the pension level for the older.
The difference must be financed from the federal budget.
Max Weber made a distinction between ethics of responsibility and ethics of conviction. What do you think of the thesis that Ms. Merkel acted ethically in the pandemic and that the FDP would be more ethical in terms of freedom?
Christian Lindner: The other way around: ethics of responsibility means that one does not just focus on the noble motives, but does not disregard the practical results of a policy.
And here you have to see, for example, that students couldn't go to school or that many people feel isolated.
You once said that the good behavior of the Germans during the Corona crisis made you think of the novel "Der Unteran": Is someone who abides by rules inevitably an authoritarian character?
Christian Lindner: No, it is about the question of whether one maintains a critical awareness of the state's orders.
It is the role of a liberal party to defend the spirit of the constitution.
(Interview: Dieter Sattler, Christiane Warnecke)
* fr.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA
List of rubric lists: © Kirchner-Media / Wedel via www.imago-images.de
