Scholz underscores the achievements of the estranged traffic light coalition.
People are voicing their criticisms towards the federal government, with the Green Party leader Nouripour labeling it as a "temporary coalition." However, Chancellor Scholz differs in a summer interview, stating that the traffic light coalition isn't just a convenient political alliance, but it's been successful.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz expresses a sense of difficulty with the work of his coalition over the past few months. "Tough," is a word frequently used by the SPD politician. From forming the government with three parties to the current ruling and the budget: "tough," says the Chancellor in the Sat.1 show titled "Where does Germany stand?" The constant disagreements have pushed SPD, Greens, and FDP apart.
Disappointment has been lingering for a while now. Not only are the majority of voters unhappy with the performance of the federal government in surveys, but many within the coalition itself doubt its continuation, 13 months before the next federal election. Trust has reached its limit. Green Party leader Omid Nouripour expressed his thoughts bluntly in an ARD summer interview: "This coalition is a temporary one, after the Merkel era."
Scholz highlights the achievements of the traffic light coalition
Scholz doesn't leave the harsh judgment by Nouripour unchallenged. "Every government is a government before the one that follows," he says calmly - and sometimes, it's the same one that succeeds it. The traffic light coalition has made significant strides: expediting modernization, weathering the energy crisis, aiding Ukraine, and positioning the Bundeswehr better for its defense. "However, it's true that these many decisions were tough to achieve, and there's always the risk that the smoke from the battleground obscures what has actually happened," he admits. "That's not good, of course."
The lingering smoke from the traffic light negotiations, the Chancellor might be referring to, is the criticism from coalition partners who instead of praising a compromise, often highlight the areas that could have been improved. Nouripour speaks of a strange satisfaction some find in conflict.
The traffic light coalition partners squabble
The table seems to be set between the traffic light partners. Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck expressed his frustration with the budget: In a budget of over 450 billion euros, finding three billion shouldn't be a problem, he says, "But we haven't found them yet. How should I put it?: That's just the way it is." The SPD is hoping for a reform of the debt brake during the next legislative period without the FDP. The FDP, in turn, makes decisions that irritate SPD and Green coalition partners. The latest example is "Roadmap Future - A Policy for the Car," a paper that aims to bring more cars into city centers through free parking.
"Then a coalition can't really continue like this," political scientist Manfred Güllner of Forsa told Bild. "Then it might be time to honestly end this struggle."
Scholz anticipates complex government coalitions
Giving up isn't an option for Scholz. He acknowledges that governing is challenging, but stresses, "However, one must make an effort here," as results are what matter. Germany must get used to the idea that future governments will be formed by parties that may not have planned to collaborate beforehand. The strong electoral results of the AfD are forcing parties to work together across previously established boundaries. "It won't get any easier," the Chancellor predicts.
It seems like quitting isn't an option for Scholz. He acknowledges the challenges of governing, but emphasizes, "Nevertheless, an effort must be made here," as results are what matter. Germany must get accustomed to the fact that in the near future, governments will be formed by parties that may not have initially planned to collaborate. The strong electoral results of the AfD are pushing parties to work together across established boundaries. "It won't get any easier," the Chancellor forecasts.
I'm not going to sugarcoat the situation: The coalition partners often find themselves at odds, and it can be challenging to reach consensus. However, despite these difficulties, the traffic light coalition has made significant strides, such as expediting modernization, aiding Ukraine, and positioning the Bundeswehr better for defense.
