Elections 2020: Greens prepare to step down from next government if post-election talks turn ugly

The Greens are willing to give up on a coalition or a trust and supply deal and sit on the crossed benches if the post-election talks don’t go well.

Co-leader James Shaw made the comments Thursday, saying the only post-election deal that was completely scrapped was one that would give National power.

However, he said that if the Greens maintained the balance of power, “there was always the possibility” that they would walk away from negotiations with Labor if they couldn’t get the gains they wanted.

If there were no coalition or trust and supply agreement, that would force a minority Labor government to seek Green support for the legislation on a case-by-case basis.

He would not say what the results of the Greens were in those talks, but said that a “wealth tax” was a “top priority.”

He would also be lobbying for co-leader Marama Davidson to be minister and suggested that a green deputy keep the agriculture portfolio.

Shaw said a new Labor-led government would need to partner with the Greens to be truly transformative.

“I think in the next parliament, if Labor and the Greens can form a government together, then they will see a truly progressive government for New Zealand.”

But Shaw said the Greens would have a hard time working with NZ First, adding that the Greens’ preference was “clearly” a government without that party.

Shaw renewed his criticism of New Zealand First, saying the party has been “extremely difficult, quite chaotic and not a force for moderation within the government” during this period.

If the Greens were in a position to negotiate a post-election deal, Shaw said party members could approve any deal.

In the last election, after NZ First decided to side with Labor, members of the Greens voted that their party would provide supply and confidence.

All three parties were necessary to form a majority.

According to current polls, the Greens and Labor could form a coalition government.

This would give the Greens a head start in calling for policies and ministers after the October elections.

But Shaw would not say which ministerial portfolio his party wanted.

However, he said, “If you look at the policies we’ve published so far … they give you an indication of where we want to be able to play a role in government.”

He then went on to specifically check his wealth tax policy, as well as his minimum income, clean energy scheme, and his upcoming farm policy.

When asked if the Greens’ estate tax plan was a “bottom line,” Shaw said it was a “top priority.”