Federal Chancellor - Scholz warns against "competition with populists"
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the strengthening of right-wing parties in the European election as a "turning point" and demanded consequences. "It has a clear impact that so many crises have raised doubts and feelings of insecurity", Scholz stated in his government declaration in the Bundestag. "This applies to Europe and it applies to Germany as well, and we must face up to it."
However, one should not enter into a "competition with populists and extremists" who exploit citizens' concerns, but instead give concrete, practical answers, stressed the SPD politician. The strengthening of internal and external security, the expansion of infrastructure, and the modernization of the economy and energy supply are necessary. "It's about being successful because that's the basis of the necessary confidence."
Right-wing parties made significant gains in numerous countries during the European election, including the AfD in Germany. In contrast, all three traffic light parties suffered significant losses. The SPD of Chancellor Scholz fell to its worst result in a national election since almost 140 years. Scholz had said the day after that one should not make a big deal of it. However, concrete consequences have not been given yet. On September 1, elections are taking place in Thuringia and Saxony. According to the polls, the traffic light coalition is facing an even worse defeat than in the European election.
Merz accuses Scholz of unwillingness to self-criticism
Opposition leader Friedrich Merz accused Scholz, looking at the election result, of being "still inexperienced and unwilling to self-criticism and correction" of his politics. He holds the crises responsible for the strengthening of left- and right-wing radicalism. But that is the wrong answer: "You are responsible for the fact that the problems in our country are not solved", the CDU/CSU faction leader told the Chancellor.
No country in Europe is currently as uncertain and unclear as Germany - the country that should be the European stability anchor, Merz said. The coalition will only be held together for power-preservation purposes, it has no idea, no plan, no concept for Germany.
Scholz wants to table the budget for 2025 with "growth turbo"
The test for the traffic light coalition after the electoral setback is now first and foremost the budget for 2025, which Scholz wants to table before the summer break. There are very collegial, technical, and confidential talks about the budget and a "growth turbo" for the economy, said the SPD politician in the Bundestag. "We will present the budget draft in July", he promised.
Originally, Scholz, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck (Greens), and Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) had agreed on a cabinet decision on July 3. However, this date is no longer feasible because a politically viable draft must be translated into a resolution. The 17th of July is now being considered for the decision in the cabinet. The negotiators must find ways to plug a gap in the two-digit billion range.
"More security, more cohesion, more growth"
Scholz stated: "More security, more cohesion, more growth, these are the priorities for our country." At the same time, he emphasized: "There should be no cuts in social justice, health, care or pensions."
To boost economic growth, among other things, there should be better conditions for people who want to continue working in retirement. In addition, he indicated simplifications in tax law, bureaucracy reduction, and improved depreciation rules. Strict action must be taken against the misuse of state benefits. "That cannot be accepted that some, for example, receive social benefits and at the same time work in the black market," said Scholz. "We will create the legal framework to prevent this from happening."
- The strengthening of right-wing parties in the European elections, such as the AfD in Germany, has been described by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz as a "turning point," necessitating consequences.
- Scholz delivered this statement in the Bundestag, discussing the impact of multiple crises causing doubts and insecurities, not just in Germany, but also Europe.
- Merz, leader of the opposition, criticized Scholz for being "still inexperienced and unwilling to self-criticism and correction" after the election results.
- Scholz aims to table the budget for 2025 with a "growth turbo" to boost economic growth, promising a draft for the budget in July.
- Scholz's priorities for Germany include "more security, more cohesion, more growth," while ensuring improvements in employment and retirement, tax law simplifications, bureaucracy reduction, and depreciation rules.
- The opposition, led by Merz, argues that the coalition lacks the necessary idea, plan, and concept for Germany, rendering it solely for power preservation.
