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German Coalition Collapse: Lindner Out, Wissing Stays
German government crisis caused by FDP leader Christian Lindner's dismissal, and Minister Volker Wissing's unexpected decision to stay.
German
Germany
Germany German PoliticsLeadershipCoalitionGovernment CrisisParty Split
FdpSpdGrüne
Christian LindnerVolker WissingOlaf ScholzChristian DürrAnnalena Baerbock
- Why was Christian Lindner ousted as Finance Minister?
- Christian Lindner, the FDP leader and former Finance Minister, was ousted from his position after refusing to suspend the debt brake. His departure triggered a government crisis, with other FDP ministers resigning.
- What was Volker Wissing's response to the government crisis?
- Volker Wissing, the Federal Minister for Digital and Transport, chose to remain in the government despite the FDP's departure, causing a major rift within the party. He cited respect for the electorate's mandate as his reasoning.
- How did Wissing's decision affect his position within the FDP?
- Wissing's three parliamentary state secretaries resigned due to lack of confidence in him, while other FDP members did not follow suit; the support for Lindner was overwhelming within the party.
- What was the nature of the relationship between Lindner and Wissing?
- Wissing's decision to stay in the government while leaving the FDP signifies a deep personal and political fracture with Lindner, who he collaborated with in the election campaign. This suggests pre-existing tensions and disagreements.
- What was the reaction of the SPD and the Greens to Wissing's decision?
- While the Greens and SPD expressed surprise, they also praised Wissing's reliability and commitment to his ministerial role. His decision left a shaky coalition government in place.