International reactions to the traffic lights being turned off
“Not the only colossal misjudgment of the evening”
Updated on November 7, 2024Reading time: 6 min.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has dismissed the FDP from government. The traffic light only flashes red-green. This decision caused international consternation.
After weeks of struggle, mutual accusations and slogans of perseverance, the traffic light government is history. Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost his patience on Wednesday evening, as the t-online capital city reporters describe it in their background piece on the drama between the FDP and the rest of the government. Now the SPD and the Greens are without their coalition partner and have no majority in the Bundestag.
A minority government is expected to push through legislative proposals by mid-January – and hopes for cooperation with the Union. But how realistic and sensible is that in fragile political times like these? The reactions of the international press speak volumes: Europe seems unsettled and even stunned by the rift.
“Olaf Scholz remains true to himself even in decline. While the Chancellor insulted the liberal Finance Minister Christian Lindner at his press conference in Berlin on Wednesday evening as a small-minded and untrustworthy tactician and threw him out of the
Ultimately, Scholz is paying for his inability to give an identity and direction to an experiment that was supposed to modernize Germany. He was out of luck because the war in Ukraine broke out immediately with all its consequences for Germany. Now it is up to Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to control the crisis from Bellevue Palace – as often happened in the Italian presidential palace. With the crisis, Germany seems to be reenacting an Italian drama that no one in this country has ever played before.
“Just at the moment when Donald Trump wins elections in the USA - which means turbulent times for Europe and Germany – the German government is in crisis. After the meeting of the three governing parties on Wednesday evening, an angry Chancellor Olaf Scholz declared that a Cooperation with the liberal Finance Minister Christian Lindner is no longer possible.
Scholz – like the Green Vice Chancellor and Economics Minister Robert Habeck – wants to pursue a policy that costs money. He wants to award funding to reduce high energy costs, save jobs, provide investment bonuses and guarantee that Ukraine is not on its own.
The return of Donald Trump to the White House was an additional reason for Scholz to spend money on strengthening Germany. He had suggested to Lindner that the debt brake be lifted in order to finance these high costs. But Lindner, who defended the German tradition of a balanced budget, did not want to agree to this. Lindner returned to the liberal concept that companies should be given as much freedom as possible so that the economy can grow. This is a different vision than the one that underpinned the 2021 coalition agreement.
“Habeck’s argument that if Donald Trump wins the election, the federal government would have to stand together and demonstrate stability all the more urgently, Lindner had not been able to gain much acceptance in the past few weeks. Perhaps, he recently mused in a small circle, a new election for the Bundestag in the spring would make much more sense , because Trump is still in the process of putting together his government. If, on the other hand, the election takes place in the fall, Germany will be in election campaign mode for practically the entire summer and will be unable to act – and therefore just at the moment when Trump may be making his first far-reaching decisions in the security, economic and trade policy cases.”
How might the political instability in Germany influence its response to international issues, such as the war in Ukraine?
Interview: The Political Fallout in Germany – A Conversation with Dr. Lena Müller, Political Analyst
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Dr. Müller! Thank you for joining us to discuss the recent upheaval in German politics. The dismissal of the FDP by Chancellor Olaf Scholz has sent shockwaves, not only within Germany but across Europe. How do you assess this sudden change?
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me. Indeed, this is a significant moment in German politics. The dissolution of the coalition marks a critical juncture, particularly as it signals deep divisions within the government and raises questions about the stability of future governance in Germany.
Editor: The coalition, often referred to as the “traffic light government,” was formed to bring together different political ideologies. What do you think led to this collapse, and why now?
Dr. Müller: The tensions within the coalition have been brewing for weeks, with mutual accusations and struggles for power. Scholz’s decision to dismiss the FDP seems to stem from a combination of frustration over their performance and a desire to reassert authority. The backdrop of a challenging geopolitical environment, especially the ongoing war in Ukraine, has only complicated these dynamics.
Editor: International reactions seem to reflect a sense of bewilderment and concern. How would you characterize Europe’s stance on this political fallout?
Dr. Müller: Many in Europe are unsettled. The timing is particularly troublesome with Donald Trump regaining traction in the US and potential implications for transatlantic relationships. Leaders across Europe are watching Germany closely, worried that internal instability might hinder collective responses to broader challenges like economic recovery and security policies.
Editor: Scholz’s remarks labeling Finance Minister Christian Lindner as “small-minded and untrustworthy” certainly caught media attention. What does this say about Scholz’s leadership style?
Dr. Müller: His comments reveal a tense atmosphere and a breakdown in trust within the coalition. Scholz’s leadership style, marked by pragmatism, is under strain. Dismissing a key ally publicly might have been an attempt to galvanize support from his own party and the Greens, but it risks portraying him as unable to manage his coalition effectively.
Editor: What does the future look like for Germany without the FDP in the government? Can you explain the implications of a potential minority government?
Dr. Müller: A minority government could potentially push through urgent legislation—but with challenges. Collaborating with the opposition Union party might be necessary, but navigating this in a fragmented political landscape will be difficult. The SPD and Greens would need to find common ground while appealing to a populace that desires stability and clear direction.
Editor: You mentioned the risk of “repeating an Italian drama.” Could you elaborate on that comparison?
Dr. Müller: Historically, Italy has experienced frequent government changes and instability, often characterized by dramatic political shifts. If Germany were to enter a similar period of turmoil—navigating multiple crises without a solid coalition—the implications for Europe could be profound. It would shift perceptions of Germany as a stable leader in the EU, particularly during times of crisis.
Editor: with the upcoming mid-January legislative proposals and the uncertain alliance with the Union, what should we be watching out for in the coming weeks?
Dr. Müller: Keep an eye on the dialogue between the SPD, Greens, and the Union. Legislative agendas will likely reflect immediate responses to economic pressures and public sentiment. As events unfold, the degree of cooperation or further fracturing among these parties will be crucial indicators of both Germany’s internal dynamics and its role in European leadership.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Müller, for sharing your insights. The political landscape in Germany is undoubtedly complex and evolving—an ongoing story that will shape not just Germany’s future, but also the broader European context.
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me. It will be fascinating to see how this all unfolds.