Traffic light crisis in the press: “It’s better to end with horror”

Papers punctured, one crisis meeting after the next, and ever louder calls for new elections: there is a huge tremor in the traffic light coalition. How long will the alliance last? The government is counted in the comment columns of German newspapers. The press review of the traffic light crisis:

“Westphalian News” (Münster): “Wars, conflicts, crises: The challenges that Germany also faces are immense. And they are not getting any smaller in the long term. Against such a backdrop, the country needs a stable government more than ever – which it does not have. The only consequence can be to end the unworthy game quickly. (…) That’s why we always need good reasons for new elections. The SPD, Greens and FDP have provided them in abundance.”

“Leipziger Volkszeitung”: “It would be best if the SPD, Greens and FDP found each other again in the federal government. But there is little to suggest that this will succeed. The embarrassing farce surrounding the competing industrial and economic summits held by Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner spoke volumes. Lindner’s economic paper now wipes away the remaining doubts – even if he emphasizes that the paper is not intended for the public. The signs point to escalation if the traffic light peaks If they come along in the next few days with a surprising and convincing plan to fundamentally turn the tide, the saying applies: Better an end with horror than a horror without end.”

“New Osnabrücker Zeitung”: “In terms of content, FDP leader Lindner is right. Germany needs a 180-degree turnaround. But why is he demanding this – knowing full well that his coalition partners won’t support it? Lindner’s crossfire could just be a set-up to somehow get the last party supporters involved To keep the mood, many of whom can already hear the death knell for the FDP. It would be honorable to end the tragedy of the traffic light coalition now. But Lindner obviously doesn’t have the time Courage. The fear of voters is probably so deep that the SPD, Greens and FDP are able to muddle through somehow.”

“Weser courier” (Bremen): “With his economic theses, FDP leader Christian Lindner has now laid the bomb that could blow up the traffic light. Whether he will detonate it will be decided over the next two weeks. On the other hand, the traffic light coalition must be under the Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has so far reacted rather prudently, will also be able to take the necessary steps to strengthen the economy despite an existing coalition agreement The day on which the traffic light leaves office is a good day.”

“People’s Voice” (Magdeburg): “The Lindner paper is a pure provocation for the traffic light – and that’s exactly how it was intended. In terms of content, many correct and important issues are addressed that the wavering government coalition must finally attack. (…) Only the Chancellor does something He always does, to stay silent and wait it out. Either he would have to flee forward in order to use the right impulses from his own alliance – or he would like to throw out troublemaker Lindner It is also well known that ‘business as usual’ tactics are a political virtue. Even his own comrades are now under a lot of pressure This week is probably the last chance for a courageous liberation move.”

“Swabian newspaper” (Ravensburg):“What has been under debate for a long time is now, according to all signals, being carried out: the break of the traffic light coalition in Berlin. And that would be a good thing. It is obvious that the Greens and the SPD are still calling for cohesion; new elections threaten them with a disaster. ( …) The liberals are risking everything anyway. And it is certain that the extreme edges will emerge stronger from the polls. But what would be the alternatives? Hoping for a turnaround, i.e. for a miracle? This is hardly reasonable for the sovereign, the citizen, because trust in this government is broken and there is no prospect of improvement. On the contrary, the already unstable political landscape in Germany is in danger of being further damaged “The country deserves a fresh start.”

“Saarbrücker Zeitung”: “So what is Olaf Scholz doing? There is great outrage among the Social Democrats, even if party leader Lars Klingbeil signals a willingness to talk. But the power of action no longer lies with the party leaders. In this situation, the Chancellor has to lead, give a signal – or it Let him stay and announce the end of his government – just let everything pass by – this time is over.”

“Märkische Oderzeitung” (Frankfurt/Oder): “Business companies complain about the government’s lack of ability to act. They demand a reduction in bureaucracy, faster approval procedures and competitive energy prices. These are all tasks that the federal government can – and should – handle. What does the traffic light do instead? Present all kinds of concepts that Unfortunately, they don’t fit together at all and are only intended to raise their own profile. Instead of continuing the provocation spiral and switching to election campaign mode, the traffic light partners should finally agree on one Let us know. And if that’s no longer possible, draw a line.”

“Nuremberg News”: “The traffic light is down. The vote of confidence would be a reliable guarantee of putting an end to the horror. Because a government that no longer wants to govern will only harm the country.”