Scholz and the soundings: Not a word too many

No big statements, no special appearances – SPD chancellor candidate Scholz is silent and pulls the strings in the background for a possible traffic light coalition. Some people fear the tough negotiator.

In the Willy Brandt House, attempts are made to radiate humility before the probes. The only militant part of the SPD still hangs in the background, the “Olaf grabs the” banner. But the Social Democrats should all keep their feet still, they are sworn to unity and secrecy. Just don’t talk about red lines, especially the newly elected SPD MPs. The role model: Olaf Scholz, who is currently not combative, does not raise his voice.

The strategy can work, says Albrecht von Lucke, political scientist and journalist for the “Blätter für German and international politics”. “So far, Olaf Scholz has pursued an extremely clever strategy, he has acted humbly, he knew exactly: The moments of self-destruction will focus all of us fully on the Union,” he says.

The Greens and FDP would first have to get used to the new situation, they could bargain, so to speak, send out vows of love. “And he could wait,” von Lucke continued.

Scholz has conversations in the background

Not a word too many, just wait and let others speak in a targeted manner – like SPD General Secretary Lars Klingbeil. After the first discussions about possible traffic light probes, he talks about “creating something together.” A political style that “is not shaped by winners or losers”.

Meanwhile, Olaf Scholz is conducting conversations and phone calls in the background. Not a word and not a picture too many. He is often referred to as a tough negotiator. Others describe him as a strategist who likes to let his counterpart feel that he is smarter.

The Greens in Hamburg can tell you a thing or two about it. The second mayor of Hamburg, Katharina Fegebank, warned at the beginning of the week in a newspaper interview about Scholz’s negotiation strategy and reported on previous negotiations. She described him as the “top dog”, one who dominates the conversation and leaves little room for maneuver.

Nobody wants to repeat that with the Greens. The fear is too great that this could spoil the good mood beforehand. Because a common denominator for three parties is urgently needed for many issues.

It’s about pushing through topics

The “show” and the “Chichi” of the Greens and FDP are over, explains von Lucke. Because now, behind the scenes, it is a matter of pushing through your own topics. In the SPD, this is certainly the minimum wage of twelve euros – the Social Democrats’ election promise par excellence.

The tax increases for high earners – a demand of the SPD and the Greens – is, however, a minefield for the FDP. “When it comes to the question of tax increases, there could be the classic compromise of not staying,” said von Lucke. But investments in climate protection will not be left behind. Especially not when you see the Greens’ plans.

Where the money will come from has yet to be discussed. “On the one hand, the Greens have planned a huge investment program, that is 500 billion in ten years. You will not be able to do that through debts, however, the FDP made that clear,” said von Lucke.

The new SPD generation wants to participate in government

Even if a solution could be to set up a large investment fund for it, that would not be enough for the Green supporters. An earlier coal phase-out and compliance with climate targets are important to the Greens. On the subject of industry, however, the SPD and FDP are simply closer, according to Luckes assessment.

And the new generation of Social Democrats now also want to have a say, to sit at the negotiating table when it comes to specific issues, Juso chairwoman Jessica Rosenthal recently demanded. Overcoming Hartz IV is important to the Jusos and the enforcement of youth policy demands.

But there are not too many disturbing noises from the young Social Democrats at the moment. Because they too want to govern. And so Olaf Scholz continues to hold talks in the background so that things can work out quickly with a traffic light coalition.