Christian Lindner Unleashes: A Scathing Takedown of Olaf Scholz

Christian Lindner stepped in front of the microphones in the German Bundestag on Wednesday night and settled accounts with the Chancellor. Read his speech verbatim here.

After less than three years, the traffic light coalition is over. Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) dismissed FDP leader Christian Linder as Federal Finance Minister on Wednesday evening and accused him of breach of trust. Lindner responded smartly with the coalition partners and especially the Chancellor.

“Olaf Scholz has failed for a long time to recognize our country’s need for a new economic awakening. He has belittled the economic concerns of the citizens for a long time. Nowadays he is still questioning the necessary decisions so that the citizens can feel” n proud again the German counter – proposals are weak, unambitious and do not contribute to overcoming our country’s fundamental weakness in growth (…)

Unfortunately, Olaf Scholz has shown that he does not have the strength to give our country a new start. (…)

His carefully prepared statement from this evening proves that Olaf Scholz was no longer concerned with an agreement that was viable for all, but rather with a careful break from this coalition. In doing so, he is leading Germany into a period of uncertainty.”

“We have presented proposals for economic change in order to get our country back on the road to success (…) These proposals were not accepted even by the SPD and the Greens as a basis for consultation.

Instead, as of this afternoon, the Chancellor has made an ultimatum call from me to stop the debt brake in the Basic Law. I could not agree to that because it would have broken my oath of office. That is why the Chancellor ended his cooperation with me and the FDP at the coalition committee meeting tonight.”

“I had previously suggested to the Chancellor a common path to new elections in order to enable a new federal government in an orderly and dignified manner and to guarantee our country’s ability to operate at all times. the coalition committee.

As Liberal Democrats, we have now shouldered the political responsibility of the state for almost three years. We have clear principles and convictions, but at the same time we have shown a willingness to compromise – up to the limits of what is sensible and responsible.

Now our country is facing a new direction decision. We need a new era of growth, prosperity and innovation. The Liberal Democrats remain ready to take responsibility for this country. And we will fight to do the same in another government next year.”