By Joseph Forster
This blow against FDP leader Christian Lindner (44) went below the belt!
At the Liberal party conference, the FDP leader stood on the stage and clapped the hall. Next to him: European politician Nicola Beer (53).
Suddenly, the big Oops moment: Beer hits Lindner’s groin with his backhand!
The FDP boss flinches, bends over briefly. Beer quickly apologizes – obviously there was no intention behind her “attack”. Lindner smiles away the pain, puts his hands on her shoulders and signals: everything is fine.
Lindner had previously asked Beer to come on stage for a special applause: The Vice President of the EU Parliament will soon be leaving office as Deputy Federal President.
The party congress can also become uncomfortable for Lindner in other ways: An application for the heating law is to be submitted, which the cabinet has previously submitted with the participation of the FDP ministers. The content of the party congress motion: There should be no bans on installing heaters in the law, and strict time limits should also be abolished.
Climate protests get little attention
What else was going on at the party congress: There were climate protests and incorrectly operated voting machines.
Despite announced demonstrations, he started reasonably on time. At 10:58 a.m., the Federal Chairman and Minister of Finance, Christian Lindner, drove to the entrance to the event hall in Berlin-Kreuzberg in a black limousine.
The few demonstrators at the entrance gate were ignored. Among others, Greenpeace, the German Environmental Aid and the IG Metall went on the barricades against the FDP policy.
And in the hall? There, the FDP delegates expected a clear announcement to the Green coalition partner against the traffic light decision on the heating law (the FDP agreed to it, albeit under protest).
But first it was a matter of organization. When a test vote is due to test the digital voting machines, the first excitement comes up. The newly elected top candidate for the European elections, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, was unable to cast her vote. Reason: the technology…
After that, party leader Christian Lindner starts. He promised Ukraine full support in the defense against Russia, and Germany should not make itself economically dependent on China. Previous “velvet paw” in Germany towards China, “it was a mistake”.
Attack on climate glue
But especially the air-conditioning adhesive got the full broadside from Lindner. Some said the blockers’ motives were noble, Lindner said. Blocking roads and highways is nothing more “than physical violence,” said Lindner.
“Speed limit and 9-euro ticket, these are very small ideas – and for that the big trouble,” Lindner continued. “The other way around would be better.” Thunderous applause from the more than 600 delegates in the hall.
A heating announcement against the coalition partners of the Greens and SPD? Stays out of Lindner’s speech. Only the announcement to revise the law in the Bundestag became clear. According to Lindner, the draft is not yet what should be decided by the Bundestag.