Traffic light coalition on the crossroads: agreement or off?

Traffic light coalition on the crossroads: agreement or off?

Berlin, Deutschland - Berlin - A dramatic meeting in the Chancellery is imminent! The tops of the SPD, Greens and FDP meet this evening to decide the future of the traffic light coalition. After weeks of disputes about the budget and economic policy, the round aims to stuff the huge billion dollar hole in the household in 2025 and bring the stricken German economy back on track. Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), Minister of Finance Christian Lindner (FDP) and Robert Habeck (Greens) previously met in several preparation rounds to find a common line. If you fail, the traffic light coalition could be on the edge of the abyss!

Lindner has proclaimed the "autumn of decisions" - an indication of the pressing tasks that are imminent for the coalition. The budget in the Bundestag must be adopted on November 29. But it is already bubbling: Lindner calls for the abolition of the solidarity surcharge for wealthy and a radical change of course in climate policy. These suggestions encounter violent resistance among the coalition partners. But Habeck is willing to compromise and offers funding that is free to stuff the household holes after the shift of an Intel plant in Magdeburg. A race against the time that puts the coalition to the test!

The scenarios of negotiations

The tension increases: If an agreement is reached, the traffic light coalition could successfully cope with the largest hurdle run. On November 14th, the decisive adjustment meeting of the budget committee is scheduled, followed by a plenary vote two weeks later. If this succeeds, the traffic lights would have been saved for the time being. But the shadow scenario is also tangible: if the negotiations fail, the FDP could get out of the government, which would mean the fall of the traffic light coalition. So far, Scholz has not given the impression that he will lose patience, but the pressure is increasing.

And what happens when the traffic light really bursts? In this case, the SPD and the Greens would have to decide whether they want to rule or start new elections without a majority. A minority government could be the result - but with the Union, which urges early elections, a collaboration would hardly be possible. The uncertainty is great, especially with regard to the elections in the United States, which could also influence the political climate in Germany. A possible comeback from Donald Trump could affect the willingness to agree in the coalition - the time ticks!