Break-up of the government in Germany – struggle over timetable for new elections
Published: Thursday, Nov 7th 2024, 18:40
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The traffic light coalition has failed, a new election is due in Germany - but when? If the opposition, the German economy and European partners have their way, a new Bundestag will be elected as quickly as possible, preferably in January. Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), on the other hand, has other ideas about timing: He wants to call a vote of confidence in the Bundestag on January 15 and thus bring about an early election at the end of March. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has a key role to play in this process and says: "I am ready to make this decision."
Union: Merz talks with Scholz on cooperation without results
It is well known that the relationship between Chancellor Scholz and Friedrich Merz, the CDU/CSU's candidate for chancellor, is strained. Nevertheless, Scholz offered the CDU/CSU cooperation immediately after Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) was kicked out of the government.
According to information from the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, an hour-long meeting between Merz and Scholz was unsuccessful. Merz made it clear that the CDU/CSU was prepared to discuss agenda items or legislation in the Bundestag. However, the Chancellor would first have to call a vote of confidence by the beginning of next week at the latest. Merz believes an election date in the second half of January is possible.
Scholz: Do what is necessary for the country
But 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." Cooperation with the CDU/CSU is about solutions to strengthen the economy and defense - about issues "that are crucial for our country to work together constructively: to strengthen our economy and our defense quickly".
Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck (Greens) would welcome cooperation with the CDU/CSU. "I would be happy about that and am of course always willing to look for a way forward," said Habeck.
Steinmeier calls on politicians to be reasonable
After the break-up of the "Ampel" coalition, the Federal President spoke to those involved. "This is not the time for tactics and skirmishes," he said with a view to the election of Donald Trump as the next president of the USA. "It is the time for reason and responsibility."
As Federal President, he will have to decide on the dissolution of the Bundestag. "But our country needs stable majorities and a government capable of acting. That will be my yardstick," said Steinmeier.
If the Chancellor calls a vote of confidence 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 so, an election must be held within 60 days.
Presumably difficult government formation after new elections
In the event of a new election, forming a government is unlikely to be easy. Although the CDU/CSU could currently expect to become the strongest force, it is unclear who would be a possible coalition partner. In polls conducted before the break-up of the coalition, the CDU/CSU parties have recently been well ahead with figures of over 30%.
The "traffic light" parties were significantly weaker than in the 2021 federal election, with the SPD at around 15% and behind the AfD at around 18%, and the Greens at around 10%. The FDP had to fear for its re-entry into the Bundestag. CSU leader Markus Söder has repeatedly categorically ruled out a black-green coalition.
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.
EU heads of government in favor of a quick election in Germany
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo is hoping for a quick new election in Germany. A strong German government is needed in Europe, said Orpo on the fringes of a summit meeting of the European Political Community (EPC) in the Hungarian capital Budapest. Belgium's head of government Alexander De Croo, his Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson and the Danish head of government Mette Frederiksen agreed.
Scholz originally also wanted to attend the EPG summit. Due to the domestic political situation, he did not want to travel until the evening. A meeting of the heads of state and government of the EU member states will then begin there. The European Political Community also includes countries such as Ukraine, the UK and Turkey.
Steinmeier dismisses three FDP ministers
Steinmeier presented Finance Minister Lindner, Justice Minister Marco Buschmann and Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger of the FDP with their certificates of dismissal at Bellevue Palace.
At the same time, Jörg Kukies (SPD), Scholz's economic policy advisor, received his certificate of appointment as Federal Minister of Finance. The only FDP politician to remain in the cabinet is Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing, who has left the FDP. Steinmeier appointed him as the new Federal Minister of Justice. He retains his position as Minister of Transport. Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens) will also take over the Ministry of Education.
Return of red-green after 19 years
Following the Chancellor's break with the FDP, there will be a red-green government for the first time since 2005. The break-up of the first coalition of SPD, Greens and FDP at federal level followed a bitter dispute over the direction of economic and budgetary policy. During the negotiations, Scholz had called for the debt brake to be suspended once again.
In view of the muddled situation, Lindner had suggested in the coalition committee that a new election should be initiated jointly. During a break in the meeting, the proposal ended up in the public domain, whereupon Scholz asked the Federal President to dismiss his Finance Minister.
©Keystone/SDA
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