German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has not been preparing specifically for the television debate with his challenger, Friedrich Merz of the Union, on Sunday evening. Instead, he has been relying on his life’s work and his experience in various government positions, he said in an interview with the “Mannheimer Morgens” on Friday.
The many conversations he has had with citizens during the campaign are important, Scholz emphasized. “I enjoy campaigning. I think this is a great time when it’s about how things will go on in our country” he said.
If re-elected, Scholz plans to fundamentally change his political style. “I wouldn’t just be the one announcing results, but would sometimes need to comment on the game’s progress” he said. In recent years, he has often understood his role as “captain” who ensures the “shop stays open” and presents a united team, Scholz explained. “If that’s not the case, one must publicly say so sooner rather than later” he said, referring to the failed coalition government of the Ampel parties.
In a democracy, it would not work to resolve disagreements “behind the scenes.” Instead, differing opinions should be brought to the public stage “in a timely manner.” “Even if that doesn’t make life easier” Scholz admitted, he has often “waited until we agreed” in the past. The public finds it difficult to follow this path, he said.
The desire of the government chief to represent consensus can only function in a world where opinion-forming is complex, as long as he also says, “Here we stand and the other one must still move” Scholz explained.