Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing: ‘Stay the Course with the Traffic Light Coalition to Tackle Complex Societal Issues’

Volker Wissing, the Federal Transport Minister of the FDP, has issued a warning to his party against considering leaving the traffic light coalition. He stressed the importance of not oversimplifying complex societal issues by dismissing the coalition as “stupid.” Wissing questioned the benefits of other coalition options and emphasized the significance of working together across party lines, as mandated by the voters. He emphasized that democracy thrives on compromise and the ability to reach a majority to address social conflicts.

Wissing clarified that the FDP’s discussions about economic turnaround resolutions at their party conference should not be interpreted as preparation to exit the coalition. He emphasized that the party decides based on what they believe is best for society and aims to appeal to dissatisfied voters rather than strengthening extremist movements through protests. Additionally, he pointed out that other parties, such as the SPD and Greens, also make demands that may not align with the FDP’s views.

The FDP has faced criticism from various quarters for proposing cuts to the welfare state in their economic turnaround plans. Bavaria’s Prime Minister Markus Söder viewed this paper as a sign of potential coalition dissolution. The upcoming party conference will address key proposals for economic reforms, with an emphasis on their vision for a social market economy.

In summary, Minister Wissing’s remarks underscored the FDP’s commitment to working within the traffic light coalition and addressing societal challenges through compromise and cooperation. He emphasized that staying true to party values while also considering broader impacts on society is crucial for progress towards achieving common goals.