Germans dubbed the coalition “die Ampel”, the traffic-light; this referred to the colours of its component parties, but critics now note mixed signals and policy jams
16-year run as Germany’s chancellor was always going to be a hard act to follow. But her triumphant exit was not the sole reason why the new government that clomped onto stage last December 8th looked bound to put up a poor show. Germans had dubbed the wobbly-looking coalition, the traffic-light. This referred to the colours of its component parties—red Social Democrats, yellow Liberal Democrats and the Greens. Yet it also hinted at mixed signals and policy jams.
Mrs Merkel handled these competing pressures masterfully. Aside from toughness and intelligence, the four-term chancellor’s favoured tool was patience. Her tendency to withhold comment until others had spent their arguments even spawned a verb,meaning to sit things out. Mr Scholz has clearly studied the master closely. His election campaign last year stressed competence and pragmatism; in Ms Puglierin’s words he presented himself as “Merkel in a suit”.
What feels like political wisdom in the Berlin chancellery can look to others like foot-dragging or, occasionally, like selfish parochialism. European allies were furious when, at the end of September, the Ampel abruptly pledged €200bn to protect German firms and households from raging energy costs.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Morocco dump Spain out of the World Cup in shoot-out despite 'taking 1000 penalties'Luis Enrique’s homework to make Spain’s players score ‘1000 penalties’ completely backfired as his side crashed out of the World Cup with a shoot-out loss to Morocco. After a goalless 120 minutes, …
Read more »
Ronaldo demanding payment of £17million from Juventus despite leaving last yearCristiano Ronaldo is seeking payments of around £17million still owed to him by Juventus, according to reports. The Portugal international re-signed for Manchester United in the summer of 2021 afte…
Read more »
WTI Falls Despite Crude Draw As Product Inventories Soar | OilPrice.comCrude oil prices fell slightly today after the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported an inventory decline of 5.2 million barrels for the week to December 2.
Read more »
Shropshire Council boss says services will not be cut despite need for £45m of savingsShropshire residents will not lose access to council services despite the authority's need to make more than £40m of savings, its leader has pledged.
Read more »
GlobalFoundries axing 800 job cuts despite swelling profitsRecord income? Tick. CHIPS Act subsidies coming? Tick. Yet chipmaker tries to make Wall Stret happier still
Read more »