One week after his election as Federal Chancellor, Olaf Scholz (SPD) presented his traffic light government’s program for the next four years in the Bundestag. His first government statement was followed by a two-and-a-half hour debate in which the Union parliamentary group leader Ralph Brinkhaus (CDU) took on the role of opposition leader for the first time.
It is customary for a new Chancellor to present the guidelines for the work of his government shortly after his election. “There’s a lot to do,” said Scholz. The traffic light coalition wants to set the course for the future: “We have no time to lose.”
Corona crisis:
In the pandemic, Scholz appealed to citizens to reduce contacts, keep their distance and get vaccinated. In his address, the Chancellor was optimistic that things would get better: “Yes, we will win this fight, we will overcome the crisis.”
Scholz announced: “We will do everything that is necessary. There are no red lines for the federal government.” The federal government will “not rest for a single moment” and “move every possible lever until we have all regained our former lives and our freedoms”.
Faced with death threats and torch marches in front of the private apartments of politicians, Scholz said: “We will not let a tiny minority of uninhibited extremists try to impose their will on our entire society.” This will be countered with all their might: “Our democracy is a defensive democracy.”
Climate change:
In view of the fight against climate change, Scholz prepared the Germans for profound changes. “Now we have 23 years ahead of us in which we must and will get out of fossil fuels,” he says. “This means that the greatest transformation of our industry and economy in at least 100 years lies ahead of us.” Above all, he emphasized technical progress. Only with him can Germany become climate neutral and keep up with global competition.
For the coming year, Scholz announced an extensive program to reduce greenhouse gases. “We are committed to the Paris Climate Agreement and will contribute to its success.”
Traffic:
The traffic turnaround will be a central component of climate policy, said Scholz. The focus of the government will be on expanding the railways, where freight traffic and passenger numbers are to be increased significantly. The Chancellor also tried to take the side of the motorist: “Many like to drive and it should stay that way.” But it depends on the drive. In 2030 there should be 15 million electric cars in Germany.
Future investments:
“It’s about laying the foundations for a new technological age,” said Scholz, and announced a decade of future investments. Specifically, he announced investments worth billions in new apartments, railways, charging stations, offshore wind farms, photovoltaic systems and power grids. “In order for the transformation to succeed, we need a modern administration that drives change instead of delaying it,” said Scholz.
Most of the investments should be made privately, but the government will ensure “that the framework conditions are right”. Scholz mentioned tax breaks for companies that invest in climate protection and digitization. But Scholz also made it clear: “Not everything that is desirable will be immediately feasible. However, we can and will certainly finance the necessary measures to cope with the transformation.”
Social cohesion:
Internal cohesion and social solidarity in Germany are at risk, explained Scholz. His guiding principle is “a society of respect”, it is important that the people in the country “perceive each other as equal among equals despite all their differences” https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/. “Many of the injuries, insults in our society they are caused by the fact that citizens do not feel that they are sufficiently noticed. ” Scholz campaigned for “more eye-level and less condescension”.
It is about “hard material, social and economic questions” and about remedying grievances. Scholz mentioned, for example, low wages, precarious employment without a collective agreement, skyrocketing rents or the life prospects of people in rural areas and in eastern Germany. “Abuses like these are therefore poison for our cohesion. That is why we will fix them,” explained Scholz.
Right-wing extremism:
According to Chancellor Scholz, the most important threat to the German state comes from the far right. “The greatest threat to our democracy is right-wing extremism,” said Scholz. The focus for the security authorities in the coming years is the fight against extremism and organized crime. The government will bring a law to promote democracy. Offenders who spread hatred and agitation would be identified and prosecuted, Scholz promised.
Europe:
“Europe’s unification is our most important national concern,” said Scholz about the European Union. The preservation of inner peace in Europe has lost none of its topicality. Germany must build bridges through constant commitment and negotiations. In this, he wants to build on the line of his predecessors.
Regarding Eastern Europe and in particular the conflict on the Ukrainian-Russian border, Scholz said: Any violation of territorial integrity will have “a high price”. Germany will speak with one voice to its European and transatlantic allies. Against the background of its own history, Germany must try more and more to get out of an escalation through negotiations and talks. However, this should not be understood as German Ostpolitik: “Ostpolitik can only be a European Ostpolitik in a united Europe.”
Thanks to Merkel:
Scholz explicitly turned to his predecessor and highlighted Angela Merkel’s services for Germany over the past 16 years. He referred in particular to the smooth change of government. Especially the noiseless change of power in Berlin was received “worldwide with a lot of admiration and respect”: “Thank you, Dr. Merkel.”
Brinkhaus congratulates and criticizes
In his answer, Brinkhaus defined the self-image of the Union: “We see ourselves as the opposition within our representative, parliamentary democracy.” Addressing the AfD, he said: “You see yourself as an opposition to parliamentary democracy. And that’s why we cannot work together.”
The parliamentary group leader of the CDU and CSU congratulated Scholz on his new role, but also criticized the SPD for its attitude towards Russia. Europe’s security is currently threatened primarily by Russia, which SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich must also clearly state. Brinkhaus also sharply criticized the new Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP): The FDP was chosen for sustainable finances. This promise was kept for just five days. The supplementary budget now presented by Lindner is “a saw on the foundation of the debt brake,” says the CDU politician.
What’s next for Scholz?
Scholz summed up: If you start your new departure resolutely now, you will leave the corona pandemic behind and be successful together in Germany. The government will work to ensure that people can say: “Yes, it will turn out well.”
After the debate, Scholz travels to Brussels, where he takes part in the summit of the so-called Eastern Partnership. These are consultations between the EU, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, which will also deal with the crisis with Russia. Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron want to meet with Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky before the summit. On Thursday, Scholz will take part in his first regular EU summit as Chancellor.