Germany’s government coalition collapsed the day Donald Trump was announced winner of the US elections. Now, Germans will have to decide who will rule the country in a snap election in February. Until then, little else will get done. Olaf Scholz has become a lame duck chancellor – at a time when Germany needs strong political leadership more than ever: the economy is struggling, society is divided. Europe’s heavyweight has come to a halt, including in foreign policy. That’s especially bitter for Ukraine: while its two biggest supporters, the US and Germany, are stuck in a power vacuum, its war against Russia continues to escalate. On To the Point we ask: Germany’s downfall: can a new government turn things around?
Featuring Guests:
Michaela Küfner, DW’s Chief Political Editor
Felix Lee, SZ Dossier
Melinda Crane, US Expert
Chapter Breakdown:
01:00 Introduction of guests
02:10 The war against Ukraine was a blow for the German government
03:10 We´re entering a period of uncertainty
04:00 Germany urgently needs infrastructure and future technologies
04:40 The collapse of the government means wasting precious time
05:40 A two-thirds majority is needed for a reform of the German debt brake
07:20 Germany has no budget right now, adding to the chaos
08:30 The German Chancellor Olaf Scholz lacked authority
10:35 Germany must invest in future technologies and infrastructure
11:00 Germany urgently needs a reform of the debt brake
12:20 Germany can regain its economic strength
13:10 Months of uncertainty will follow, private consumption will not rise
13:55 Donald Trump will try to put an end to Germany’s trade surplus with the US
15:15 New US tariffs will have a huge impact on Germany’s industry
18:50 Germany will continue to supply weapons to Ukraine
20:00 Germany doesn’t have the capacity to replace US support
21:45 Biden and Scholz are lame ducks, hindering peace negotiations with Russia
24:00 Germany will keep its commitment to support Ukraine
24:30 Germany will see more clarity in its foreign policy after the elections
25:00 Germans are demoralized and disturbed by the break of the coalition and the timing of it
#tothepoint #germany #ukraine
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