Berlin (dts) – Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) sees “the danger of a very serious economic crisis”. Everything must be done to stop inflation, he told the ZDF “Heute-Journal” on Tuesday. Nevertheless, Germany remains capable of acting, including against Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Germany could diversify its energy supply, close other supply chains and trade freely. In addition, domestic gas and oil reserves can be used. This is now much more economical than it was just a few months ago. “There can now be no taboos when it comes to controlling price developments for people,” said Lindner. Asked about different perspectives in the traffic light government, the finance minister said: “My concern is that we could have a very worrying situation in a few weeks and months. And in this situation we can't be picky." It's about "three to four, maybe five years of shortages and we have to find an answer for that," said the FDP politician. It is therefore necessary to talk about all options, including extended operating times for the three nuclear power plants that are still functioning. Lindner sees no argument in the traffic lights, but admits that there is “currently no agreement.” “In any case, I am not satisfied that we are extending climate-damaging coal, but not even considering the possibilities of nuclear energy.” Regarding the debt brake, Lindner said: “I am not orthodox here. If necessary, expenses will be financed.” Nevertheless, Germany cannot continue to incur debt as before. “To put it more clearly, we can no longer afford more and more debt because the state is now paying high interest rates,” said the minister. Significant consolidation efforts are needed for the budget. He doesn't find it "fun" telling the other ministers: "This plan doesn't work." The task, according to Lindner, is: "Get out of debt, provide people with targeted relief, don't leave them alone with inflation and then put pressure on prices take."
