Traffic light crisis: Dobrindt: We are prepared for an early election

In view of the ailing traffic light coalition, the debate about a possible early federal election continues. According to its regional group leader in the Bundestag, Alexander Dobrindt, the CSU is prepared for such a scenario. He told the “Augsburger Allgemeine” (Friday): “I could imagine that a federal election will also take place on March 2, 2025, the day of the general election in Hamburg.”

The federal election is currently scheduled for September 28, 2025. The red-green-yellow coalition of Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) is in crisis after the poor performance of the traffic light parties in the recent elections. Words from FDP leader Christian Lindner had also fueled speculation about an early end to the coalition.

Lindner does not rule out an early end to the traffic lights

Lindner, who is also Federal Finance Minister, recently said in the podcast of the news portal “Table.Briefings”: “Stability for Germany is of paramount importance. But at some point a government can also be part of the problem itself.” He continued: “A government must always ask itself whether it meets the requirements of the time.”

Regarding speculation from the FDP about a possible exit from the government alliance around Christmas, Lindner said on September 23rd, the day after the Brandenburg election, that courage was now required of everyone: courage to do work in a controversial coalition, if good can be moved for the country, or courage to draw conclusions when one reaches the limits of what is possible.

Dobrindt speaks out against a coalition with the Greens

The CSU regional group leader once again turned against a coalition between the Union and the Greens in the federal government. “I am convinced that a policy change is not possible with the Greens.” There may be individual Greens who are ready to move out of the “left-green corner”. “But the vast majority of the party is unable and unwilling to do so.” Dobrindt indicated a preference for the SPD as a possible coalition partner in the federal government. “Survey figures show that after the traffic light chaos, the population’s desire for a coalition with a strong leading party and a smaller partner as a complement is growing. I think that is quite realistic with the SPD,” he said. “According to current surveys, the SPD’s parliamentary group is likely to be halved in the next Bundestag. I hope that the more sensible half will remain.”

CSU leader Markus Söder had also repeatedly rejected coalitions between the Union and the Greens. In his view, the Greens in the current federal government are the main reason for Germany’s poor economic situation. The Union candidate for chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) is more relaxed about working with the Greens. He recently said that “from today’s perspective” there is no coalition with the Greens. But he also said: “If things develop differently in the next twelve months, we can see.” It is up to the Greens to change.

According to a report by the Editorial Network Germany (RND), the majority of CDU state associations are in favor of keeping the option of a black-green coalition open at the federal level. This was the result of a survey among the state parties.

Green politician: Don’t give up on the goal of the Green Chancellorship

Meanwhile, Green politician Michael Kellner is advising his party not to give up the chancellery as a goal despite weak poll numbers. “We will see in the course of the (election campaign) whether we come within reach of the Chancellor’s office. We are not there yet, but I am not giving up on the goal of a green chancellorship,” said the State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Economics to the “Rheinische Post” (On-line). “In an election campaign you have to reach for the stars.” His boss Robert Habeck is considered the only candidate for the Green Party’s top or chancellor candidacy in the federal election. However, the Greens are currently only around 11 percent in surveys.

Kellner led the Green Party’s election campaign in 2021. He sees opportunities to steal voters away from the Union who do not support a more conservative course. “We need a clear strategy to regain trust on the issue of climate protection and must seek closer solidarity with civil society and the climate movement. (Union chancellor candidate) Friedrich Merz gives us a great opportunity because he speaks to many former Merkel voters and voters, especially women, “We can take advantage of this opportunity,” he said, referring to former Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU).