More than a third expect the coalition to break up

The Traffic Light Coalition's Troubles Deepen

A third of Germans anticipate the coalition's early demise

The Federal Constitutional Court's recent verdict regarding the supplementary budget for 2021 has sparked controversy, potentially leading to the coalition's collapse, according to 37% of Germans, as reported by the RTL/ntv trend barometer.

Last week's court ruling deemed the federal government's supplementary budget for 2021 unconstitutional, invalidating plans for loans totaling 60 billion euros. This substantial sum was earmarked for climate protection, primarily targeting initiatives that aimed to lower energy costs, refurbish buildings, boost renewable energy, and socially balance out climate protection measures.

Uncertainty in Coalition's Future

The decision has stirred up concerns within the coalition, which has been struggling with ideological disagreements since the early days of their tenure. More than a third of Germans expect the premature end of the coalition, with only 58% holding faith that it will last until the end of the legislative period in 2025.

Finding Alternatives

Germans react to the €60 billion shortfall with various suggestions:

1. Cost cuts: 44% of Germans advocate for making up the €60 billion using savings from other areas of the government budget.
2. Scuttling the projects: 38% of Germans believe the federal government should largely forgo projects financed by KTF money.

The Diverse Responses

Support for the governing parties holds steadfast. However, views vary markedly among their supporters:

1. SPD and Green Party supporters: Majorities of both groups advocate for finding alternatives within the existing budget.
2. FDP supporters: Only 66% of supporters believe the coalition will last until 2025.
3. CDU/CSU supporters: 58% of supporters anticipate the coalition will survive until the end of the legislative period.
4. AfD supporters: A majority expects the coalition's early demise.

International Perspective

In light of the court's decision and the resulting financial and political challenges, several suggestions have emerged:

1. Taxes: Targeted taxation measures, such as carbon taxes or wealth taxes, could yield significant revenue for climate protection initiatives.
2. Efficiency: Implementing efficiency measures to optimize government spending is another option for reallocating funds towards climate protection.
3. Private sector investment: Encouraging private sector investment in renewable energy projects through incentives and subsidies could supplement domestic funding.
4. Budget realignment: Reprioritizing and exploring new sources of revenue can help redirect financial support to climate protection efforts.
5. International cooperation: Collaborating with international organizations, such as the European Union, to acquire additional funding for climate protection initiatives.

Conclusion

The constitutional court's decision on the supplementary budget for 2021 has exposed potential pitfalls for the Traffic Light Coalition, with 37% of Germans expecting its premature dissolution. The €60 billion required for climate protection goals leaves room for various suggestions, reflecting the diverse perspectives within the German political spectrum.