Ever-present, authentic, and always pragmatic Angela Merkel is stepping down from her position as the Chancellor of Germany after 16 years. Germany’s development and modernization in the last few decades all took place under her guiding hand and her legacy as a giant in European politics will never be forgotten. Yet, even with high approval ratings the writing was on the wall and the Chancellor announced she would not seek re-election in the 2021 German federal elections. In steps Olaf Scholz, a center-left social democrat with plans to revive progressive policies all while ushering Germany into a new era that aims to be greener, more digitalized, and progressive; at the same time as navigating a modern economy.
Even though Olaf Scholz hails from a different political party than Angela Merkel she helped groom him for leadership of Germany. Olaf served as Merkel’s Vice-Chancellor for years before recently being elected as her replacement. Merkel was also generous enough to invite Olaf to accompany her to a Group of 20 meeting in Rome in October to introduce him to world leaders like President Joe Biden.[1] Contrary to elections in the United States of America, this made for a harmonious change of power and a sense of pride for German citizens. This effortless transition of power is also aided by many seeing Mr. Scholz as a continuation of Angela Merkel. Scholz calm, steady demeanor and a willingness to compromise echo’s the governing style of his predecessor and sets him up for success.[2]
While many see Scholz as a Merkel 2.0 of sorts, they also have their differences. Maybe most notably are their stances on NATO and foreign policy overall. With the constant threat of Russia invading parts of Ukraine and challenging NATO strength, Scholz may opt for stronger relations with the United States. For Scholz, this in turn will hopefully strengthen the United States support for NATO as relations had cooled under President Trump. Likewise, the incoming Chancellor faces the task of sustaining European Union (E.U.) cohesion. Germany is the de facto leaders of the E.U. as the organization is still reeling from the loss of United Kingdom in 2020. As the largest democracy in Europe that also boast a powerhouse of an economy, members of the E.U. and governments around the world look toward Germany to lead Europe into a prosperous future. Angela Merkel was able to heed the call for more than 16 years and now that monumental task falls on Olaf Scholz shoulders.
To help readers get a better understanding of Olaf Scholz you can find a partial list his domestic agenda below:
-Raise the minimum wage.
-Phase out coal power by 2030.
-Achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.
-Cut bureaucratic red tape.
-Hold off on implementing new taxes.
-Attract skilled migrant workers.
-Construct 400,000 new homes a year.
-Re-impose a wealth tax.
-Legalize cannabis for private consumption.[3][4]
[1] Bennhold, Katrinn, and Melissa Eddy. “Germany’s Merkel Hands over Chancellor’s Office to Scholz.” New York Times, December 8, 2021. https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/12/08/world/germany-scholz-merkel.
[2] Schmitz, Rob. “What You Need to Know about Germany’s New Chancellor and Coalition Government.” NPR. NPR, December 8, 2021. https://www.npr.org/2021/12/08/1062130622/germany-new-chancellor-olaf-scholz-coalition-government.
[3] Bennhold, Katrinn, and Melissa Eddy. “Germany’s Merkel Hands over Chancellor’s Office to Scholz.” New York Times, December 8, 2021. https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/12/08/world/germany-scholz-merkel.
[4] Oltermann, Philip. “Olaf Scholz: ‘Merit in Society Must Not Be Limited to Top-Earners’.” The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, September 8, 2021. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/08/olaf-scholz-merit-society-not-be-limited-top-earners-germany-election.