There were only two votes against and one abstention. Previously, Greens co-leader Robert Habeck had campaigned for the start of coalition negotiations. There is now the chance to implement political content and shape reality. “We want this responsibility.”
“Nothing has been won yet,” said Habeck, referring to the exploratory paper presented by the three traffic light partners on Friday. “But it is a start.” All three parties should have left feathers in terms of content. The exploratory paper is good and sustainable for coalition negotiations. “We managed to arouse hopes. We have arrived at a time of hope – a time of hope that we must not disappoint.”
“Losses in exploratory paper”
As positive examples for the Greens, Habeck cited plans for a minimum wage of twelve euros, children’s rights, modern immigration law, a voting age of 16 and the goal of phasing out coal in 2030. However, not all of the demands from the election campaign could be implemented. “We have made losses in this exploratory paper,” said Habeck. As examples, he cited the absence of a general speed limit or the waiver of an increase in the top tax rate. “We challenge ourselves to do something with the paper – but so do the others.
The Greens now have to prove that they are ready to take on government responsibility, said Habeck. “We come from the defensive to the design, to the offensive.” The Greens could now help shape it. “We want this responsibility,” emphasized Habeck. “We want to shape reality.”
“Clear reform agenda”
Greens Federal Managing Director Michael Kellner said that not all topics were yet included in the paper, not all of the details had been formulated. This will change in the coalition negotiations. In the end, the Greens would have a ballot on the results.
According to Kellner, the negotiated exploratory paper describes a “clear reform agenda and shows the way for a new departure.” The paper is “extremely ambitious” especially when it comes to climate protection. In it, the “traffic light” parties are committed to bringing Germany onto the 1.5 degree path. In addition, the coal phase-out should “ideally” be brought forward to 2030.
The SPD executive board had already cleared the way for coalition negotiations to begin on Friday. The SPD would provide the chancellor in the alliance with Olaf Scholz. The FDP committees meet on Monday. Here, too, the green light is expected.
