Germany Scholz justifies the end of the coalition and looks ahead to new elections
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz defends the dissolution of the traffic light coalition and emphasizes the need for new elections. He calls on the parties to work together to pass important laws.
13.11.2024, 14:12
SDA
In the Bundestag, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz has defended the dismissal of Finance Minister Christian Lindner and the end of the traffic light coalition. In his government statement, he emphasized the inevitability of this decision and welcomed the agreement on 23 February as the date for new elections. Scholz appealed to the Christian Democrats to jointly pass important legislation before the dissolution of the Bundestag in order to serve the country.
Scholz outlined a series of measures that could still be passed, including relief from the cold progression and an increase in child benefits. He also spoke out in favor of amendments to the Basic Law in order to protect the Federal Constitutional Law from political influence.
With regard to the Ukraine conflict, Scholz reiterated his rejection of the delivery of Taurus missiles to Ukraine. He emphasized that his position on this issue remains unchanged.
The debate in the Bundestag, which was scheduled to last two hours, also saw contributions from CSU leader Markus Söder and AfD party leader Alice Weidel. Economics Minister Robert Habeck was unable to attend due to a plane breakdown, so Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock spoke on behalf of the Greens. The dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner was also on the list of speakers.
The dissolution of the Ampel coalition marks the end of a turbulent collaboration between the SPD, FDP and Greens. Scholz now leads a minority government and plans to call a vote of confidence on December 16. If he does not receive a majority, new elections will be held on February 23.
The CDU/CSU is clearly ahead in the polls, while the SPD is in third place behind the AfD. The Greens and the FDP are struggling with low poll ratings, while the Sahra Wagenknecht alliance has a chance of entering the Bundestag.
Four candidates for chancellor are running for the first time. The CDU/CSU has nominated Friedrich Merz, the Greens are planning to nominate Robert Habeck and the AfD wants to field Alice Weidel. In the SPD, Scholz's candidacy is not yet official, although the party leadership supports him. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is being touted as a possible replacement candidate.
Despite internal doubts about Scholz's candidacy, parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich emphasizes the need to present a united front in order to be successful. He is convinced that the SPD can win with Scholz at the helm.
