Germany's traffic light coalition, comprising the SPD, FDP, and Greens, faces significant internal strife and potential dissolution. The resignation of the Green Party leadership, following poor election results, has destabilized the coalition. The Greens are grappling with internal dissatisfaction and the departure of their youth wing, which plans to form a new leftist movement. This turmoil has prompted calls for a personal and programmatic restart within the party.
The FDP, led by Finance Minister Christian Lindner, is also under pressure. The party's inability to push through its economic policies has led to internal demands for either a coalition exit or Lindner's resignation. FDP members are particularly frustrated with the coalition's economic and immigration policies. The party's leadership criticizes the SPD and Greens for policies like the 29-Euro ticket and tariff loyalty law, demanding a shift towards more market-oriented reforms.
The SPD, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, is navigating these tensions while trying to push through key legislative agendas, including the budget and Rentenpaket II. However, the FDP's objections to aspects of the pension reform underscore the coalition's fragility. Economic forecasts predict a slight GDP decline this year, adding to the urgency for a coherent economic strategy.
With upcoming elections and significant policy disagreements, the coalition's future remains uncertain. The Greens must elect a new board in November, and the FDP must decide its stance on coalition participation. The possibility of a coalition break looms large, with potential consequences for Germany's political landscape. The situation highlights the challenges of maintaining a diverse coalition in times of economic and political pressure.
