Latest news with #Lindner
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Former German minister Lindner bids farewell as FDP picks new leader
Former German finance minister Christian Lindner bid farewell to his Free Democratic Party (FDP) on Friday with heavy criticism of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's new government. Lindner stepped down as chairman of the FDP after leading the pro-business party to a disastrous result in February's national election, leaving it without a seat in the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament. At a party conference in the German capital, Lindner said the "majority of voters voted for less state and more freedom. What is now being delivered is more state and more debt." "If the Merz government does not flank this new fiscal policy with reforms, then this decision on direction will first come back like a boomerang in economic terms and then at the ballot box in 2029," he added. The former finance minister took a parting shot at Merz's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in his speech, saying: "I find it difficult to make quick changes to my basic political convictions. There are many in the CDU who have more talent for this than we do." Lindner was fired as finance minister in November, leading the FDP to withdraw from former chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition, which triggered the early election. FDP appoints new chairman Christian Dürr, the party's former parliamentary leader, was chosen to replace Lindner as FDP chairman on Friday evening, receiving 82% of the vote. The FDP's current deputy leader, Wolfgang Kubicki, won re-election before the party's 600 delegates. Henning Höne, FDP leader in the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia, and European lawmaker Svenja Hahn were selected to fill the two other deputy positions. Other appointments, including of a new secretary general, were postponed until Saturday because of time constraints. Dürr has proposed entrepreneur, Nicole Büttner, for the position of secretary general. She has been an FDP member for 20 years but has not yet stood in the national political spotlight. Before his election, Dürr said he wanted to have a new policy programme drawn up and to reform the party's structures and processes. "I want us to be the most modern party in Germany in terms of content," he said. "But I also want us to become the most modern party in the Federal Republic of Germany in terms of organization." The new programme should not be limited to fundamental principles, he said, but should translate liberal goals and convictions into the concrete reality of people's lives. Election catastrophe The FDP won just 4.3% of the vote in February's election, falling short of the 5% threshold typically required to enter the Bundestag. The party previously failed to reach 5% in 2013, leaving it on the margins of politics until 2017, when Lindner led it back into the Bundestag. In 2021, the party joined the government in an unhappy coalition with Scholz's Social Democrats and the Greens, which eventually broke up late last year amid a breakdown in trust and wide differences over budgetary policy.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Former minister Lindner takes parting shot at new German government
Former German finance minister Christian Lindner bid farewell to his Free Democratic Party (FDP) on Friday with heavy criticism of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's new government. Lindner is stepping down as chairman of the FDP after leading the pro-business party to a disastrous result in February's national election, leaving it without a seat in the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament. At a party conference in the German capital, where his successor is due to be elected, Lindner said the "majority of voters voted for less state and more freedom. What is now being delivered is more state and more debt." "If the Merz government does not flank this new fiscal policy with reforms, then this decision on direction will first come back like a boomerang in economic terms and then at the ballot box in 2029," he added. The former finance minister took a parting shot at Merz's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in his speech, saying: "I find it difficult to make quick changes to my basic political convictions. There are many in the CDU who have more talent for this than we do." Lindner was fired as finance minister in November, leading the FDP to withdraw from former chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition, triggering the early election. Christian Dürr, the party's former parliamentary leader, is due to replace Lindner as FDP chairman in a vote later on Friday.
ABC News
01-05-2025
- ABC News
Barossa Valley heavyweights clash over developmental future of wine region
It takes less than an hour to get from the centre of Adelaide to the Barossa Valley. Most of that drive is highway; expansive bitumen running through low-lying mangroves, budding suburbs and empty plains. But one right turn off the main drag takes you into a landscape dominated by rows and rows of grapevines, interspersed with humble cottages. This is a landscape which has been preserved through legislation, with the "special character" of the Barossa region the subject of South Australia's Character Preservation Act. Seasonal workers flock to the Barossa Valley for vintage each autumn. ( ABC News: Daniel Litjens ) But one group of the valley's residents believe that rural amenity is under threat, as the urban development of Adelaide grows closer and closer to their agricultural community. The Barossa Region Residents Association was founded in the 1980s, but has reformed to lobby further preservation for the valley's landscape and heritage. Its president James Lindner said he feels the economic value of the Barossa's landscapes is in danger of being "eroded" if the community's voice is not heard. "The community and the generations of people here, we're here because we love it and we're going to be here for generations," he said. "We're the constant, aren't we? " As the constant, it's important we have a voice in where the future goes, and what we want our region to look like. " James Lindner revived the Barossa Region Residents Association in recent years. ( ABC News: Brant Cumming ) The association with roots older than vines Mr Lindner sees the Barossa as a region defined by heritage: German architecture in the towns, historic businesses passed down through families. His experience is no different, taking on the role of general manager of sales at his family's Langmeil winery. "I'm in a position that I am today, and Langmeil is in a position that we are today, because the work that the generations before us has done," Mr Lindner said. The Barossa is filled with family wineries, none more historic than the 176-year-old Yalumba. Its current proprietor is Robert Hill-Smith, a sixth-generation custodian of the Angaston estate. Robert Hill-Smith is a sixth-generation custodian of the winery at Yalumba. ( ABC News ) Mr Hill-Smith was a member of the original Barossa Region Residents Association in the 1980s. "A number of people looked at what the assets were the Barossa had other than wine," he said. " What are the things that are distinctive that are worth hanging on to and ring-fencing for future generations to enjoy and build economic value from? " He said the association was a key member in heralding Barossa wine around the world, and enshrining the heritage and beauty of the Valley in legislation. "They were a formidable group that have reformed in recent years that really understand the long-term value in the distinctive assets the Barossa has ... other than just a vineyard or a building here," Mr Hill-Smith said. Calls for recognition of legislation But members of the association now think the Character Preservation Act is not being adhered to in the planning codes. "I don't think agencies value it enough [or] see enough in it, and they therefore without seeing value in it and having a robust agency take it seriously, then they tend to just bypass it in all their planning," Mr Hill-Smith said. "There are aspects to it in terms of interpretation that are pretty subjective ... and that leads to conflict." That is a sentiment shared by another Barossa luminary, Rockford Wines proprietor Robert O'Callaghan. He helped found the Residents Association, and believes the work he did is in danger of becoming undone. Robert O'Callaghan fears the Barossa Valley is at risk of losing its value in heritage. ( ABC News: Brant Cumming ) "We all live various parts of our life with short-term decisions coming to bite us," Mr O'Callaghan said. "This is about making decisions that are reinforced from a quality perspective for the long-term benefit for a region and its residents, and the state." A major issue facing the Barossa Valley is a lack of accommodation, both short-term for tourists and long-term for vineyard workers. The need to construct and develop additional housing and tourist accommodation in the region is clear to its residents, but it is the way to do that which is causing conflict. "I'm not saying there shouldn't be opportunities for rural accommodation and premium rural accommodation, but ultimately it's where it sits and the size of it and how it works," Mr Lindner said. Vineyards cover most of the Barossa Valley's 65,000 hectares, north of Adelaide. ( ABC News: Brant Cumming ) Ambitious project ignites debate One of the more controversial development proposals in the Barossa Valley is the Oscar Hotel, a 72-room six-star resort-style hotel planned for Seppeltsfield Winery. Warren Randall bought into Seppeltsfield in 2009 and has since redeveloped its cellar door, which has helped it to win numerous tourism awards. Mr Randall believes the Oscar will elevate the winery yet again. "We're determined to build Oscar, and it will be like the Sydney Opera House is to Sydney," he said. " It will bring international tourists, it will be a magnet for them, a shiny lure just as the [d'Arenberg] Cube has been. " The Oscar was subject to numerous complaints from members of the community, who say the structure is too prominent in the landscape and not in keeping with the Act. The project was nicknamed 'the Slug' by some in the community due to its design. But construction was approved by the local council in 2022. Mr Randall said that while he appreciates the reason behind the community's concern, the Valley "needs a shunt". "It's magnificent but a little boring," he said. "It needs an iconic architectural building where people go, 'We have to go to the Barossa Valley, we have to go and see Oscar'." Warren Randall wants to draw international tourists to the Barossa with The Oscar. ( ABC News: Brant Cumming ) Mr Randall said there is still community concern around the Oscar, but he will persevere with the project. "There will be some people who love it and some people who hate it, but at the end of the day, it's my land," he said. " I bought it, I own it, and I have the right to build what I like on it. " The next generation prepares to take the mantle Not all local winemakers are opposed to the design of The Oscar. Dave Lehmann is the owner of David Franz Wines, and the son of Barossa icons Peter and Margaret Lehmann. He said he did not particularly dislike the design. "It's neither here nor there in some ways, but I think it's less about what Oscar was and more about the way it represented itself," Mr Lehmann said. David Lehmann and his daughter Georgie Matene now work at their own winery outside of Tanunda. ( ABC News ) His daughter Georgie Matene, who is a winemaker at David Franz, agreed. "A lot of us locals felt like we would maybe want to be a bit more involved in the designs," she said. " It felt very like, 'This is what's happening'. " The pair have recently decided to be more proactive in the community, by joining the Residents Association and being more outspoken. "It was the Oscar development that's probably prompted a return to understanding about why it's so important to preserve what we're doing," Mr Lehmann said. "With the next generation coming through, you've got that sense of continuity that we're not just protecting it for ourselves … it's about protecting it for Georgie." Watch ABC TV's Landline at 12:30pm on Sunday or on .
Associated Press
17-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Former Alere and LumiraDx R&D Chief Nigel Lindner Joins CLEU Diagnostics to Launch Revolutionary LabSimple Diagnostic Platform
CLEU Diagnostics, the company reimagining comprehensive clinical laboratory testing has expanded its team with the addition of Nigel Lindner, PhD as Chief Innovation Officer. Dr. Lindner brings over three decades of experience in advancing innovation in diagnostics, previously as Global Head of R&D at Alere, CEO of Swiss Precision Diagnostics, and CIO at LumiraDx. 'We are incredibly excited about the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Lindner to validate and bring to market this game changing technology,' said Andrew Fleischman, MD, CEO of CLEU Diagnostics. In joining CLEU Diagnostics, Nigel continues a long career in pursuit of introducing simplicity to lab-quality diagnostic testing. Today, most lab testing is performed by skilled technicians at specialized central laboratories. However, there has been a longstanding vision for comprehensive lab testing to become simple enough to fit into a small portable module that can be used by just about anyone, anywhere. That vision for accessible lab testing will soon become a reality with LabSimple. 'A comprehensive platform that seamlessly integrates a range of diagnostic modalities to bring high-quality core lab testing to the point of need while also being uniquely cost competitive for widespread use has long been a vision for the future of healthcare. The remarkable team at CLEU Diagnostics has solved the key challenges to make this vision a reality. There is going to be a lot of excitement once the magnitude of the achievement of LabSimple becomes better understood by the healthcare industry,' said Dr. Lindner. The exceptional versatility of LabSimple enables complex analytical techniques, such as chemistry, microscopy, flow cytometry, and single photon counting, to be performed with low cost instruments and disposable test cartridges. Instrument modules, about the size of an iPhone, are stackable to deliver scalable test throughput in any location. Innovation in fabrication of cartridges for complex test panels maximizes manufacturing output to deliver at an ultra-low price point. For the first time, comprehensive point-of-care style testing can be implemented at a cost comparable to a large central laboratory. 'Our platform is not one size fits all. We can engineer low-cost cartridges to meet the unique requirements of each application. The platform has also been designed from the ground up – we created an advanced microfluidic control system, a new technology that facilitates miniaturization of complex analytical systems, such as flow cytometry, that are normally much larger and more expensive,' said Kam Ghofrani, Lead Engineer for CLEU. LabSimple will launch beginning in late 2026: Respiratory Viral Panel (Molecular Diagnostics) Complete Blood Count (Hematology) Basic Metabolic Panel (Chemistry) Urinalysis (Chemistry) The long-term vision for LabSimple is to support all common routine lab tests, and tests that are critical in remote settings with limited access to healthcare. 'The economics and flexibility of LabSimple for the first time enable the business model for a CLIA waived diagnostic platform to become, in many instances, a practical alternative to a central laboratory,' said Scott Kellogg, Chief Business Officer for CLEU. 'Whilst we do not expect to fully replace central lab testing, we do envision a world in which most routine tests are performed on LabSimple, and less common specialty tests are sent to a central lab. This reality may come sooner than people think.' About LabSimple LabSimple is a next generation point-of-care style diagnostic platform designed as an all-in-one replacement for the clinical laboratory while being simple enough for anyone to use without training. LabSimple is disruptive because it has the unusual combination of being comprehensive, high performance, simple, and low cost. LabSimple is a next generation point-of-care style diagnostic platform designed as an all-in-one replacement for the clinical laboratory while being simple enough for anyone to use without training. LabSimple is disruptive because it has the unusual combination of being comprehensive, high performance, simple, and low cost. Building blocks of the LabSimple Platform Accurate multi-functional fluidics programmed for each test panel to automate flow control, degassing, reagent handling, and serial dilution Integration and miniaturization of multiple advanced detection modalities (optical, electrochemical, impedance spectroscopy, microscopy, photometry) Embedded multi-zone temperature control environment Uniquely versatile cartridges to meet requirements of any test panel All with scalable manufacturing at ultra low-cost of goods These building blocks enable a broad range of advanced assay techniques, including chemistry, immunoassay, molecular diagnostics (isothermal / conventional PCR / digital droplet PCR), microscopic image analysis, flow cytometry, & single molecule counting. About CLEU Diagnostics CLEU Diagnostics was founded in 2018 by a group of renowned physicians with the goal of transforming healthcare through innovation. LabSimple is a disruptive, next generation technology that will redefine the $110B US clinical lab testing market. CLEU Diagnostics was founded in 2018 by a group of renowned physicians with the goal of transforming healthcare through innovation. LabSimple is a disruptive, next generation technology that will redefine the $110B US clinical lab testing market. SOURCE: CLEU Diagnostics Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 03/17/2025 07:24 AM/DISC: 03/17/2025 07:25 AM
Russia Today
25-02-2025
- Business
- Russia Today
German pro-business party leader retires after electoral defeat
Christian Lindner, the leader of Germany's pro-business Free Democratic Party, has announced that he is retiring from politics following a disastrous defeat in Sunday's Bundestag elections. Lindner served as finance minister in the 'traffic light' ruling coalition between his party, Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats and the Greens, which collapsed last year after the FDP leader pulled his support from the government due to a dispute over the budget. 'The federal election brought a defeat for the FDP, but hopefully a new beginning for Germany. That was what I had fought for,' Lindner wrote on social media. 'Now I am retiring from active politics,' he added. As of 00:35 am local time on Monday, projections reported by the German media suggest that Friedrich Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) has received 28.5% of the votes, while the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is projected to receive 20.7%. The FDP is projected to receive just 4.4%, under the 5% threshold required for them to obtain seats in the legislature. Scholz conceded defeat in a speech on Sunday night. 'This is a bitter election result for the Social Democratic Party. It is also an electoral defeat,' he said in his first statement after preliminary results were released. The campaign was dominated by calls to crack down on illegal immigration and extremism in the wake of a string of terrorist attacks. The parties also spoke about the need to reimagine Germany's role in world affairs in response to US President Donald Trump's push to resolve the Ukraine conflict without the EU's approval.
