SPD, Greens and FDP take stock: traffic light explorations are entering the hot phase

SPD, Greens and FDP take stock
Traffic light soundings are entering the hot phase

For days the possible traffic light coalition SPD, Greens and FDP have been probing each other in joint discussions – where are thematic overlaps, is it enough for a coalition? After a final meeting, the negotiators could decide today whether to open talks for a government.

The SPD, the Greens and the FDP have started to take stock of their exploratory talks so far. The negotiators of the three parties met in the morning at an exhibition center in western Berlin for preliminary discussions. In front of the building’s door, a few dozen mostly young activists demonstrated for more climate protection.

A paper is expected in the course of the day that summarizes the current state of negotiations. On this basis, the leadership of the three parties could recommend starting coalition negotiations. However, further consultations are also conceivable. In previous exploratory talks, the SPD, Greens and FDP have explored differences and similarities without obligation. Coalition negotiations would be the next step on the way to a traffic light coalition. In contrast to non-binding exploratory talks, all those involved here have a common government firmly in mind.

Coalition negotiations can still fail. A small party congress that could meet at the weekend would decide whether to start coalition talks with the Greens. The FDP would consult party bodies. Such a step would not be necessary with the SPD.

This was preceded by three meetings of the negotiating teams of a possible so-called traffic light coalition. On Wednesday and Thursday the general secretaries of the parties and their employees should put the state of negotiations on paper. The possible chancellor of a future traffic light coalition, Olaf Scholz, expressed confidence on Wednesday that there would be a traffic light government before Christmas. “The soundings are taking place in a very, very good and constructive atmosphere,” he said in Washington. That is why he is sure that the project of the SPD, Greens and FDP can be realized. “Namely, that we have a new government before Christmas.”

The head of the Young Liberals, Jens Teutrine, formulated “a modernization agenda for the country that will break the political deadlock of recent years” as a prerequisite for a traffic light alliance. For such a coalition “more than just legal weed” is needed, Teutrine told the editorial network Germany with a view to the intersections of the three partners, including the legalization of cannabis. What is needed is an agenda for social advancement, a student loan reform, a “grandchildren-fit pension reform” including the introduction of a statutory share pension, an increase in the mini-job limits and greater comparability in the education system.

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