Resignation on the horizon: how the European press comments on the vote of no confidence in Scholz

On Monday, the German political arena was shaken after the members of the Bundestag passed a vote of no confidence in Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz by a majority vote. This decision not only points to a deep internal political split, but also opens the way to early parliamentary elections scheduled for February 23, 2025. The positions of the current chancellor, a representative of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), have faltered against the background of economic difficulties, the crisis of energy policy and the loss of trust on the part of coalition partners.

Scholz has already announced his intention to run again for the post of chancellor, but the data of the latest sociological polls indicate the leadership of his main opponent – Friedrich Merz from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). In this context, the European media are actively analyzing the situation, trying to reveal its causes, possible development scenarios and the impact on European politics in general. Press comments range from criticism of the political weakness of the Scholz government to considerations of the need to strengthen German leadership in the European Union.

For many European partners, stability in Germany remains a key factor in economic and political balance, and therefore the issue of early elections goes far beyond the borders of Germany’s domestic politics. Nor are the challenges facing the country’s new leader, regardless of whether it will be Scholz or his opponent Mertz, not overlooked. Among them are the security crisis in Europe, the need for energy policy reforms, and economic recovery after a period of stagnation. How does the European media evaluate this political coup? – more details about this in the material.

The Guardian – Great Britain. London’s The Guardian is anxiously following the situation in Germany and France:

“Political dysfunctionality in the two most important countries of the European Union looks like a very ominous end to the year. From January, Trump, without a doubt, will begin to put pressure on his Western allies regarding the economy and foreign policy. Looking at Paris and Berlin, immersed in themselves, it can be assumed that that Europe is hardly ready for this challenge.”

La Stampa – Italy. Turin’s La Stampa comments on the fact that Germany is now ruled by a chancellor without confidence:

“No matter how significant the instability may be between the election and the formation of a new government, the overthrow of Olaf Scholz is in any case a moment of relief for Europe. Now the “lame duck” called Germany – and the country has been in precisely this role is led by no less “lame duck” But there is at least hope for a better future.

.. No one in Europe can afford a Germany in the state we have seen so far.”

Zeit Online – Germany. The Zeit Online portal publishes a hot-track comment – and leaves no stone unturned from Scholz’s speech:

“Back in the days of the traffic light coalition, the Chancellor was repeatedly criticized by the Social Democrats for his inability to listen to advice and learn from mistakes – and today, on Monday, in his usual manner, he lays the blame for the collapse of the government on himself , and first of all on others – on the former coalition partner, the VDP party, on the difficult budget situation, on the war in Ukraine.

… Lack of self-criticism is a mistake, especially in those times when it becomes increasingly difficult to find a majority.

… With this behavior, Olaf Scholz harmed not only the government, but also the very belief that pragmatic politics can be pursued without crossing the borders of political camps.

… After this Monday, nothing further allows us to say that Olaf Scholz is the best candidate for this mission.”

Economic newspaper – Чехия. Prague’s Hospodářské noviny doubts that anything will radically change with the coming to power of the Christian Democrats:

“Mertz is going to the election with slogans reminiscent of the slogans of former Social Democrat Chancellor Gerhard Schröder in the early 2000s. Then Germany cut welfare, wages grew very slowly, and business thus gained a competitive advantage. But just to repeat the same steps are no longer enough.

… Germany has no choice but to move from the analog era to the digital one.

… And looking at the program of the CDU/CSU, one cannot count on the fact that this transition will necessarily follow. In addition, Mertsev will have to lead the country in a coalition with either the Social Democrats or the Greens. And the effectiveness of such a cabinet can be as limited as the effectiveness of the previous one.”

El País – Spain. Madrid’s El País points to the importance of the debate about the so-called “debt brake” – a mechanism laid down in the Basic Law of Germany, which prevents excessive increases in the debt budget:

“Mertz shows a certain readiness to accept that the almost rejection that has already entered into the cultural code of the Germans of the budget must be overcome.

…The debate about spending is an existential issue in Germany and even extends to the level of the European Union. Two years ago, Scholz justified defense spending of 100 billion euros – the highest since World War II – by arguing that the war in Ukraine marked a turning point.

…All of Europe understood this message. Now the Germans themselves should do the same.”

Polityka – Poland. Warsaw’s Polityka reflects on whether Poland’s position will strengthen against the background of a weakened Germany:

“Regardless of who wins the next election, the new chancellor will have to bring order to this chaos. This means that he or she will have little room to maneuver for radical policy changes, such as on Ukraine, and to fill the leadership vacuum in EU This can open up great opportunities for Poland, to which will take over the presidency of the EU Council in two weeks. For the first time in recent European history, Berlin’s problems open up chances for success for Warsaw.”