FDP turnaround in compulsory vaccination?

Lindner takes a stand and rejects other regulations – “must end”

Created: 01/16/2022, 06:09

By: Felix Durach

Finance Minister Christian Lindner has further explained his party's position on compulsory vaccination.

© Michael Kappeler/dpa

For a long time, the FDP had spoken out against a general obligation to vaccinate in Germany.

Now, of all people, the traffic light government could implement one.

Berlin - The current debate in Germany about the introduction of general corona vaccination is polarizing society.

Where one side sees a necessary step towards a way out of the coronavirus pandemic, the other side criticizes, among other things, the violation of physical integrity by the measures.

The FDP around party leader and Finance Minister Christian Lindner, as a liberal party, has long opposed compulsory vaccination in the debate.

In their position as the governing party, however, the Free Democrats seem to be much more open to compulsory vaccination.

A break with your own principles?

Lindner on Corona rules: All people are holders of fundamental rights “regardless of their vaccination status”.

Not when it comes to party leader Lindner.

In an interview with

, the 43-year-old emphasized that the FDP's general goal is to give citizens as much freedom as possible.

“In general, as liberals, we are committed to fighting the pandemic in such a way that as much social life as possible remains at every stage,” said the finance minister.

A statement that should also apply to the unvaccinated.

"Regardless of the vaccination status, all people are subject to fundamental rights," says the FDP leader.

Vaccination obligation with the FDP?

No contradiction for Lindner – “As a liberal, there can be different considerations”

Lindner does not want to see a contradiction between the liberal brand core of his party and the possible introduction of general vaccination by the traffic light government. “As a liberal, you can come to different conclusions. On the one hand, compulsory vaccination would be a sensitive encroachment on the right to self-determination. On the other hand, vaccinated people are currently accepting restrictions on their freedom because they have to be considerate of the unvaccinated in order to prevent the healthcare system from being overwhelmed,” explains the 43-year-old. Both positions would be found both within the FDP and within society.

However, Lindner does not want to see the release of the debate about compulsory vaccination in the Bundestag as a concession by the coalition partners to the FDP.

Fundamental ethical questions should generally take place apart from party-political classifications.

“The debate about compulsory vaccination has divisive potential for society.

That's why it's right to make the decision without constraints," explains the finance minister, adding with regard to the opposition: "By the way, the Union now seems to be fine with that.

Because I don't see a uniform position there."

Minister of Finance Lindner against vaccination bonus - "will not be able to solve everything with money in the long run"

The Minister of Finance is opposed to a vaccination bonus that could represent a financial incentive for those who are undecided because of the burden on the budget. “In addition, we will not be able to solve everything with money in the long run. We have become accustomed to high government benefits during the pandemic. This phase must end,” explains the FDP leader.

The decision on a general obligation to vaccinate in Germany is to be made by the Bundestag in the coming months.

An orientation debate is planned for the end of January, in which several group proposals can be presented from within Parliament.

The Bundestag will then vote on these in the course of the coming months.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) recently spoke out clearly in favor of general vaccination.