The new German government has made an energetic start in foreign affairs. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his ministers have a good chance to shine on the international stage, if they play their part in deterring Russia from another military attack.
As Germany’s new chancellor prepares to be sworn in, the shape of his incoming government suggests that quite some change is in store for Germany’s European and foreign policy.
Prolonged talks? Messy politics? Merkel still not gone by New Year’s? Actually, Germany may have a new government more quickly than many think.
With strategic foresight and remarkable focus, the Social Democrats’ candidate Olaf Scholz is now leading the race to replace Angela Merkel. What to expect?
The Biden administration’s decision to stick with Donald Trump’s “deal” with the Taliban and withdraw US forces no-matter-what has caused the disaster in Afghanistan, with Germany looking on. Angela Merkel’s time in office is ending with a foreign policy low.
During her last few weeks in office, the German chancellor seems to be trying one last big thing: rejigging the West.
Led by Annalena Baerbock, the Greens have managed to position themselves as current leaders of the pack when it comes to replacing Angela Merkel in the chancellery. Their new focus on foreign policy, and a commitment to strengthening transatlantic ties, is welcome.
For too long, Germany has been in awe of China’s economic might. That has let the country turn a blind eye to how the newly assertive global power is making its presence felt.
On foreign and defense policy, the Social Democrats have long been the reliable second pillar of Germany’s centrist course. But the SPD’s downward spiral at the ballot box has given way to left-leaning signaling that may well do the party more harm than good.
Already attacked as someone too soft on the likes of Bashar al-Assad, Vladimir Putin, and Xi Jinping, new CDU leader Armin Laschet’s world view and foreign policy outlook is much in line with the German mainstream.
Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer has done more than most to put Germany’s armed forces, and the country at large, on a geopolitical course.
At first glance, it seems simple: whoever wins the CDU leadership in January will then become the next German chancellor. However, there are still a few obstacles on the actual path to succeed Merkel.
