Scholz and Merz discuss new elections in Germany
Published: Thursday, Nov 7th 2024, 15:30
Zurück zu Live Feed
A new election in Germany in March? If opposition leader Friedrich Merz (CDU) and the German economy have their way, it will have to happen sooner.
Following the break-up of the "traffic light" government, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) is aiming for a March deadline. As Scholz still wants to get bills through the Bundestag, he is dependent on help from the CDU/CSU. Merz spoke with Scholz about the timetable for around half an hour in the Chancellery at midday. Nothing was initially revealed about the content or results.
The Chancellor wants to put the vote of confidence to the Bundestag on January 15. Merz is calling for the vote of confidence to be held "at the beginning of next week at the latest" so that elections can then be held in the second half of January.
If the Chancellor calls a vote of confidence in Parliament and does not receive a majority, he will ask the Federal President to dissolve the Bundestag. According to Article 68 of the Basic Law, the President has a maximum of 21 days to do so. However, he is not obliged to do so. If he does, an election must be held within 60 days.
Presumably difficult government formation after new elections
What the formation of a government in Germany could look like in the event of a new election is completely open. Although the Christian Democrats could currently expect to become the strongest party, it is unclear who would be a possible coalition partner. In polls conducted before the break-up of the "traffic light" coalition, the CDU/CSU had recently been well ahead with figures of over 30%, usually more than the "traffic light" parties combined. The SPD was around 15%, the Greens around 10% and the FDP even had to worry about re-entering the Bundestag. CSU leader Markus Söder has repeatedly categorically ruled out a black-green coalition.
Merz: "We simply can't afford it"
"We simply cannot afford to have a government without a majority in Germany for several months now and then campaign for several more months and then possibly hold coalition negotiations for several weeks," said Merz. CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt said it would be "disrespectful to the citizens" if the government were to remain in office.
Economy: Every day with the government is a day lost
Business representatives are also calling for a quick re-election. "Every additional day with this federal government is a lost day," said Dirk Jandura, President of the German Association of Foreign Trade (BGA). The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) and the German Electrical and Digital Manufacturers' Association (ZVEI) also called for a quick re-election.
VDA President Hildegard Müller explained that the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, Donald Trump's election victory in the USA, unresolved trade issues with China and the state of Germany as a business location require a federal government with maximum capacity to act.
Scholz: Do what is necessary for the country
Scholz is sticking to his timetable. He will do what is necessary for the country, said the SPD politician. "The citizens will soon have the opportunity to decide anew how to proceed."
Scholz wants to offer Merz the opportunity to work together quickly to find solutions to strengthen the economy and defense. It is about issues "that are crucial for our country to work together constructively: in the rapid strengthening of our economy and our defense".
Transport Minister remains in government - and leaves FDP
German Transport Minister Volker Wissing wants to remain in office until a new election and is resigning from the FDP. Scholz had asked him whether he was prepared to continue in office under the new conditions, said Wissing in Berlin. He had promised him this.
Wissing wants to be part of the government as a non-party member. "I don't want to be a burden on my party." He has therefore informed party leader Christian Lindner that he is leaving the FDP. This is a personal decision. "I want to remain true to myself."
Unlike Wissing, his three state secretaries Daniela Kluckert, Oliver Luksic and Gero Hocker do not want to remain part of the federal government. As Kluckert announced on Platform X, the three FDP politicians asked the minister to arrange for their dismissal with the Federal President.
Scholz continues to be tough on Lindner: "Then you set the country on fire"
The day after the break-up of the coalition, the Chancellor indirectly accused the FDP leader of social arson. With regard to the financing of Ukraine aid from the current budget, Scholz said: "If you now come to the conclusion that we simply have to sweat it out on the side, then you are setting the country on fire."
This would mean, for example, that roads could not be expanded and schools could not be developed. In addition, nothing could be done for the economy and jobs.
Lindner will receive his certificate of dismissal from Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at 2.00 pm. Scholz, who has accused Lindner of multiple breaches of trust and small-mindedness, will probably be there - at least that is the custom.
Scholz consultant Kukies succeeds Lindner
Jörg Kukies, Scholz's former economic advisor, will succeed Lindner. This was revealed to the German Press Agency by government sources. The Social Democrat is currently State Secretary in the Chancellery. He is the man for the economy and finance and negotiates the final documents of the G7 and G20 summits for him.
Wissing will also take over the post of Minister of Justice from his former party colleague Marco Buschmann. Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens) will also take charge of the Ministry of Education, which was previously headed by FDP politician Bettina Stark-Watzinger.
©Keystone/SDA
German 
English 
French 
Spanish 
Arabic