Merz vs. Scholz: The Chancellorship Revamp
Neighboring Chancellor's Cordial Acts
By Volker Petersen
In the wake of the government declaration, Chancellor Merz stepped into Maybrit Illner's spotlight, aiming to leave behind Scholz's shadow. Merz presented himself as approachable, clear, and concise in contrast to Scholz's dismissive "no" responses and avoidance of questions.
After a week of being the new kid on the block, Merz shone on an intimate talk show. He navigated a host of topics, from Ukraine to migration, economy, and climate, bringing a refreshing twist to traditional politics. Despite several vague answers, Merz managed to capture the audience, appearing as the friendly neighborhood chancellor ready to tackle Germany's pressing issues head-on.
Diplomacy, Sanctions, and Schulz's Slip-Up
The talk show offered a platform for Merz to address the omnipresent wounds arising from the government's sanctioning policy toward Russia. The moderator questioned Merz's diplomatic approach after the joint trip to Kyiv, which ultimately led to a disappointed Merz, as the anticipated ceasefire was not achieved. However, Merz highlighted that sanctions have been decided and will go into effect, though not of a magnitude as initially reported. Merz's apparent slip-up paved the way for criticism, as the sanctions package in question is merely the 17th EU sanctions package, which had long been in the works.
The Green-Black Coalition: A Rocky Start?
The cooperation between the parties within the green-black coalition remains unclear, as divergent views on essential issues met during the talk show. Topics such as Taurus, supply chain law, and defense spending displayed a lack of unity, causing concern regarding the coalition's durability. Merz, however, remained optimistic, expressing his belief that a few points of contention would pass with time.
An Eye on the Economy
The economist Jens Südekum emphasized the urgent need for quick implementation of super-depreciations for the corporate sector to stimulate economic growth. Merz responded positively, indicating that such measures could indeed be activated in 2023. Pension, care, and unemployment contributions were discussed, with Merz acknowledging their disproportionate impact on smaller and medium incomes. He claimed that corrections would be necessary to preserve the viability and effectiveness of these systems.
Climate Change: A Test for Merz
The conversation about climate protection remained minimal during the talk show, with Merz focusing on the need for technological advancement and an increasing CO2 price to combat climate change. However, as Germany continues to fall behind in its objective of becoming climate-neutral by 2045, Merz faces pressure to present a comprehensive and effective climate strategy in the future.
Crafty Negotiations and a New Beginning
Based on available data, Merz's strategy involves embracing a more conservative and neoliberal economic approach, with an emphasis on restoring Germany's industrial might[3]. His communication style has shifted from being open about weapons systems to working closely with military leaders to avoid public debates[5]. In contrast, Scholz's economic policies focused on addressing short-term economic challenges, while his leadership style was marked by caution and a more deliberate approach[2].
All in all, Merz's appearance on the talk show signaled a positive start to his chancellorship. He approached tough questions with an open mind and a desire to find practical solutions. Time will tell if he can maintain this approach amidst the challenges that lie ahead during his tenure.
- In the realm of environmental science, the Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, as Germany navigates the complexities of climate-change and the environmental impact.
- The science of migration has become increasingly relevant in German politics, with the new chancellor, Merz, addressing various global topics during his intimate talk show, among which was Ukraine, a country grappling with the effects of migration due to ongoing conflicts.
- Amidst the political discussions surrounding the government's sanctioning policy towards Russia and the diplomatic approach, general news outlets have yet to probe into the potential effects of these sanctions on the broader context of climate-change and environmental science, areas that are on the rise as critical global concerns.
