Members of Germany’s Free Democratic Party (FDP) held a non-binding vote among members, whether they should stay in chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party coalition. FDP members focusing on low tax policies and employment opportunities, feel uncomfortable being a part of a government next to Scholz’s social democrats and or the Green party. This led to speculations that the coalition will not continue for the remaining two years.[i]
FDP General Secretary Bijan Djir-Sarai said, as a result of the voting held on 1st of January of 2024, 52% of the participants voted for staying in the coalition and this clearly demonstrates that the party wants to continue. Current FDP party leader Christian Lindner serves as coalition’s Minister of Finance.[ii]
Only 26.000 members of the total 76.000 party members took part in the voting. The war in Ukraine has brought unprecedented costs for the industrial power of Europe. In a period when accelerated energy transition is needed, FDP seems to have difficulty in finding fiscally conservative solutions.[iii]
None of the coalition parties are interested in an early election idea the opposition demanded. Scholz acknowledging going through economically tough times, he states that the country has the strength to overcome this:[iv]
“Many people are dissatisfied, and I take this seriously. However, at the same time, we will overcome this as Germany. Inflation is low, wages are increasing and winter gas tanks are full to the brim. Despite the difficulties, we are in a good condition.”
Due to poll solutions, 52% of FDP members favored staying in the coalition. This reflects the party’s effort to fulfill commitments within the ongoing government. The noticeable case here is the low participation rate. Only 26.000 of total 76.000 party members voted. This shows some conflicts within the FDP and situations such a low participation rates make it difficult for the democratic processes to function properly.
Party leader Christian Lindner serving as Minister of Finance, indicates that FDP plays an effective role in economic policies and budget. However, economic difficulties, especially the war in Ukraine and the loss of Russian gas and the financial burden of energy transition, complicate to maintain fiscal policies, traditionally advocated by the FDP. This situation may have led some members to oppose their role in the government.
The coalitions decision to continue can be interpreted as an expression of reliance in Germany’s capability to cope with national and international challenges. As Scholz emphasized, stating that some of the economic indicators are positive but he also is aware of dissatisfactions, can be seen as governments sensitivity towards the public. As a result, these developments externalize German policies dynamics and shows the government’s efforts to sustain balance within the coalition.
[i] “German Liberals Narrowly Vote to Stay in Scholz’s Fractious Coalition”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/german-liberals-vote-stay-scholzs-fractious-coalition-dpa-2024-01-01/, (Erişim Tarihi: 03.01.2023).
[ii] Ibıd.
[iii] Ibıd.
[iv] Ibıd.
