Merkel criticizes Scholz’s appearance when Lindner was ejected
Published: Friday, Nov 22nd 2024, 12:50
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Germany's former Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) criticizes the reaction of her successor Olaf Scholz (SPD) in connection with the break-up of the "traffic light" government and the dismissal of Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP).
"When Olaf Scholz spoke so bluntly, there was a bit of discomfort in the audience. Some thought: If our Federal Chancellor is so out of control - oh God - how bad is it for our country," Merkel told Der Spiegel.
When asked whether Scholz had violated the dignity of his office with his appearance, Merkel replied: "I wouldn't have said it if I thought it was a prime example of dignity."
The Chancellor leads the constitutional body of the Federal Government, said Merkel. "His office has a dignity, and that should always guide you." As Chancellor, you get to feel the hard knocks. "You feel a lot of emotions, but it's better to shout at the wall in your office than at the German public."
Her spontaneous thought when she saw the arguments between Scholz and Lindner was: "Men!" When asked what seemed typically male to her, Merkel said: "For example, taking things personally. You should avoid that as much as possible in politics."
Scholz had thrown Lindner out of the cabinet on November 6 after a dispute over the direction of economic and budgetary policy, whereupon the FDP withdrew its ministers from the "traffic light" alliance with the SPD and Greens.
Scholz accused the FDP chairman of irresponsible behavior and said of the minister: "He has too often engaged in petty party-political tactics. Too often he has broken my trust." Serious government work is not possible in this way.
At an SPD parliamentary group meeting, Scholz received loud applause for his approach. Scholz wants to put a vote of confidence to the Bundestag on December 16. If, as expected, he does not receive a majority, elections will be held on February 23.
Merkel on FDP: Not an easy coalition partner
She had "never experienced the FDP as an easy coalition partner", said Merkel, who governed with the FDP during her 16 years as chancellor from 2009 to 2013. Referring to her failed negotiations in 2017 on a so-called Jamaica alliance between the CDU/CSU, Greens and FDP, the former head of government said: "Jamaica would have been a lot of work and I would have had to spend a lot more time on the various partners. But the question didn't arise because Mr. Lindner didn't want it."
Merkel's memoirs entitled "Freedom" will be published this Tuesday.
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