Anna von Stefanelli/watson.de
Germany's traffic light alliance fails with a bang. After weeks of discussions, it became clear on Wednesday evening: Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) will step down after being fired by Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD). Lib Dem ministers are breaking traffic lights. A vote of confidence is being called for and new elections are underway.
No Friends for Life : Lindner and Scholz.Image: trapezoid
A current investigation has produced devastating results for traffic lights. However, no other possible alliance would truly satisfy the Germans.
Zero percent: Germans no longer want to wait at traffic lights
Even before the showdown in Berlin, the traffic light government's poll numbers were at their lowest. Dissatisfaction with government jobs is high and reached its lowest point at the end of October: only 14% were satisfied, according to German ARD Trends. That means something: This value has been defeated only four times in more than 27 years.
Traffic lights are not welcoming at all.Image source: DPA
Unsurprisingly, a majority of Germans strongly oppose reinstating traffic lights, according to a recent survey. The figures were revealed in a survey conducted by Civey, an opinion research organization, on behalf of Focus Online. Accordingly, 0% of respondents would like to see the Social Democrats, Greens and FDP re-cooperate at the government level.
Taking into account a statistical margin of error of 2.5%, theoretically up to a quarter of respondents would support this option. However, that doesn’t make the prospect of new traffic lights any more realistic. Regardless, both parties may have had enough after the break.
Possible alliance? Germans don't really like any alternative
However, there wasn't much enthusiasm from other leagues either. All possible consents are limited. The most popular option, at least according to surveys, is a coalition between the EU and the FDP. However, only 25% of survey participants preferred this option.
The government formed by the trade unions and the Social Democrats – the former “grand coalition” or “GroKo” – was supported by just 21% of respondents.
For the government formed by the Social Democrats and the Greens, the situation looks even bleaker: only 15% support this option. This also illustrates how difficult it is for the current ruling party to form a government and how divided Germany is currently.
Survey: Involvement of K3 and AfD almost unthinkable
Of the conceivable coalitions, only three-party alliances tend to fare worse: Cooperation at government level between the EU, the Social Democrats and the FDP receives just 3% support. The survey showed that the coalition composed of the Federal Party, the Green Party and the Liberal Democrats received only 1% support.
Alternatives such as the AfD or BSW are considered politically impossible and highly unlikely.
Hardly any party is interested in forming a coalition with Alice Wedel and the Alternative for Germany.Image: trapezoid
The focus now is on campaigning for new elections before forming a new coalition.
Ruling party leaders are now trying to shirk responsibility for the coalition's failure. In particular, German Finance Minister Schulz and former Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) have been at loggerheads and are now the focus of criticism.
After the traffic lights go out: Germans want new elections quickly
The survey showed that 40 percent of respondents blamed Scholz and Lindner for the traffic lights. However, only 17% believed Robert Harbeck (Green Party) was responsible.
No matter whose responsibility it is: According to surveys, the majority of Germans view the end of the traffic light union as a positive. 81% said the end of the government coalition was a relief. Only 12% regretted the breakup.
A majority of Germans are now calling for new elections: 71% of respondents want CDU leader and chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz to run for new elections as soon as possible. Otherwise, new elections will not be held until the end of March. On Friday, Scholz said he was at least willing to discuss an early confidence vote.
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