German Transport Minister Volker Wissing Remains in Government Amid Coalition Crisis

Germany is facing political instability as the governing coalition begins to unravel, with the FDP (German Liberals) embroiled in a conflict over aid to Ukraine. In the wake of this crisis, Transport Minister Volker Wissing, a member of the FDP, decided to leave the party but continue in his government role as a non-party member.

FDP Crisis and Wissing’s Decision

The dispute within the FDP, primarily concerning the amount of aid to Ukraine, led to the resignation of party leader and Finance Minister Christian Lindner. Following Lindner’s decision, Wissing, who had been a member of the FDP since 1998, also chose to resign from the party. However, instead of leaving his position in the government, Wissing opted to stay on as a non-party minister under Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

„Ich möchte mir selbst treu bleiben“ – Volker @Wissing will Verkehrsminister bleiben und tritt aus der FDP aus. pic.twitter.com/SoEAyG5ZS8

— Bericht aus Berlin (@ARD_BaB) November 7, 2024

When Chancellor Scholz was presented with Wissing's resignation, he inquired if Wissing was prepared to continue his duties in the government under these new circumstances. After careful consideration, Wissing affirmed his willingness to remain in office. He pointed out that his decision was personal and aligned with his belief in responsibility during a challenging time for the country. "I want to remain true to myself," Wissing stated, saying that he would not distance himself from the core values of the FDP but would serve as an independent in the government.

Wissing, who also served as FDP chairman in Rhineland-Palatinate, called on everyone within the party to act responsibly for the sake of democracy. Despite the ongoing tensions, Wissing’s decision ensures continuity in his role as Transport Minister, even as the political landscape in Germany remains uncertain.

DB Cargo Faces Uncertainty Amid Political and Financial Struggles

Wissing’s decision to remain in office is not the only one born out of the current political instability in Germany. The ongoing collapse of the governing coalition has left several sectors in limbo, and DB Cargo, the rail freight subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn (DB), is no exception. The company has faced economic deficits for years and has long relied on intra-group subsidies to cover these losses. However, earlier this year, the European Commission stepped in, ending these subsidies due to concerns that they distorted market competition.

In the face of these financial challenges, DB Cargo had hoped for support through a new subsidy program approved by the outgoing European Commission, designed to offset the higher costs of transporting individual car shipments compared to road freight. This program could provide up to EUR 320 million annually, but the political instability in Germany raises doubts about whether the necessary funds will be included in the federal budget.

Source: BMDV; Süddeutsche Zeitung; Deutsche Bahn