Editorial Olaf Scholz’s German-led term begins in the midst of a crisis

Editorial|Editorial

German long-time Chancellor Angela Merkel said goodbye to the accompaniment of the military band on Thursday, hoping the Germans would trust each other. “The last two years of this pandemic have shown the importance of trust in politics, science and societal debate – and also how fragile trust can be.”

Merkel’s last official duties as Chancellor were to chair an interest rate crisis meeting. The same is soon to come with the new Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Treating the coronary crisis requires a lot of attention from Scholz, which is understandable but also a pity. The ambitious program of the Scholz government should be launched.

Scholz leads the government of three very different parties. The combo of the Social Democrats, the Liberal Party FDP and the Greens is called the Traffic Light Coalition, according to the colors of the parties. Due to the pandemic, the government will start flashing on the ground. Scholz has already warned that Germany may have to resort to compulsory vaccinations. The reflection is due to low vaccine coverage in Germany and full intensive care units.

Crisis assistance Scholz is also expected in the European Union. However, in the midst of the change of power, Scholz and the new Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who represents the Greens, have hardly been able to comment on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s harsh speeches and the concentration of Russian troops on the Ukrainian border.

At the European Council in mid-December, Scholz is guaranteed to be a central figure. Under the government’s program, Scholz-led Germany seems to have a real desire to continue the major renovations that have already begun in the EU in the midst of a pandemic.

Cooperation between Germany and France will play a key role in the EU’s updating of economic rules. The rules of the Stability and Growth Pact no longer reflect the real economic development and investment needs of the member states. On the basis of the government’s program, Germany is also ready to increase its responsibility for the EU’s foreign and security policy as the grip of the United States, China and Russia tightens.

Merkel left a strong mark on Europe. Scholz is more ready for reform than him. Expectations are high, but time is hard. Germany can do a lot to make Europeans more confident.

The editorials are HS’s statements on a topical issue. The writings are prepared by HS’s editorial staff and reflect the magazine principle.