German chancellor Olaf Scholz went on a communication offensive this week, defending his approach to European affairs, following criticism over his leadership style.
Scholz’ three-party coalition has been squabbling for weeks over energy legislation, leading to claims that the chancellor failed to provide leadership. Likewise, his government has cut an uncoordinated figure on the European stage, first and foremost by blocking a vote on the planned ban of combustion engines at the last minute.
“The question is are we doing enough for Europe and I want to say yes, we’re doing a lot,” Scholz argued at the Europaforum on Tuesday (6 June), hosted by public broadcaster WDR.
60% of Germans think the chancellor is failing to promote the cohesion of the EU, according to a poll commissioned by the broadcaster.
Scholz’s handling of European affairs has also been heavily criticised by the opposition.
“Instead of coordinating with other member states, the government rushes ahead unilaterally, for example, regarding the national [energy relief plan] ” Detlef Seif, the chair for European affairs of the CDU, the largest opposition party, told EURACTIV.
He also pointed to the U-turn on combustion engines and a lack of agreement within the government on the reform of the Stability and Growth Pact.
“Germany’s role model status within the European Union is in jeopardy”, Seif warned.
At the Europaforum, Scholz refuted these suggestions. “The problem is that there are people … who have an odd conception of European politics, namely that it’s bliss coming over everyone like on Christmas. They’re assuming that there is no space for any disagreement and diverging opinions in a positive European relationship at all,” the chancellor said.
However, staying true to his guarded style, he remained non-committal on several key European issues.
When asked about his support for a European army, he suggested focusing “on what’s on at the moment first.”
Scholz also showed hesitancy regarding the Spitzenkandidaten process ahead of the European elections in June 2024. While Germany has been one of the main advocates of the lead candidate system, and enshrined the principle in its coalition agreement, Scholz backpedalled on the importance of the process.
While the “idea behind it” was to be taken seriously, there was no point in having lead candidates if they “counted for nothing” afterwards.
The chancellor has taken the opportunity to clear the air over several communication issues this week.
On Tuesday evening, Scholz defended his leadership style at a television debate with citizens, his third press appearance in four days.
“I want to make the case for more serenity regarding all the problems that we’re facing. It’s important to formulate clear goals, but it’s equally important to stay calm and keep it together,” Scholz said.
To him, the debate on communication and disagreement is a distraction. “We should focus on doing good work and that is my task, which I’m taking on,” he said.
Scholz has come under increased pressure in recent months, as his popularity and that of his government has fallen.
Two-thirds of the country are currently dissatisfied with the government’s work and 82% think he needs to explain himself more, according to a poll by Forsa, published on Tuesday.
For the CDU MP Seif, Scholz is simply “failing to assume a leadership role…, ducking out instead to avoid confrontation.”
[Edited by Oliver Noyan/Benjamin Fox]
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Source: euractiv.com
