The outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz has pledged his support for his successor, Friedrich Merz, signaling a concerted effort to stabilize the current German coalition government. In an interview with “Die Zeit”, Scholz stated his commitment to contributing to the coalition’s success, a surprising development given the perceived tension between the two leaders following Merz’s assumption of the chancellorship in May.
Scholz’s public endorsement, while seemingly positive, comes amidst growing anxieties surrounding the fragility of Germany’s political landscape. He expressed concern about potential “tipping points” drawing parallels to historical periods of instability and cautioned that navigating the current environment requires a resolute commitment to the correct course of action.
However, Scholz’s statement was most impactful when addressing the rising prominence of the Alternative for Germany (AfD). He unequivocally condemned any potential inclusion of the AfD in a governing coalition, labeling it a grave error that would fundamentally undermine the post-war consensus crucial to Germany’s pluralistic identity. He acknowledged the AfD’s current strong electoral performance, currently polling around 25%, but insisted that a majority of Germans share his conviction against such a move. His assertion – “We are more” – represented a direct challenge to the party’s growing influence and a defense of the established political order.
Experts suggest Scholz’s intervention is less about personal reconciliation with Merz and more about projecting a narrative of stability and caution against the backdrop of increasing political polarization. The move is viewed by some as a tacit acknowledgement of the challenges facing Merz’s government and a strategic attempt to rally support amongst those wary of further political fragmentation. Whether this signal of continuity can effectively counter the AfD’s momentum and reassure the public remains to be seen, but it represents a significant declaration of intent from the former Chancellor.