Berlin The attacks by Friedrich Merz (CDU) obviously act as a stimulant on Olaf Scholz (SPD). After the head of the Union faction had sharply criticized the traffic light coalition for its course in the energy crisis, the Chancellor held a defense speech that was lively by his standards, in which he settled accounts with one thing in particular: the party of CDU leader Merz.
The reason for the exchange of blows was the general debate in the Bundestag on the draft budget for 2023. Traditionally, it is rarely about the budget itself, but rather an exchange of blows on current problems. In this case: the rising energy prices. Scholz and Merz accused each other of being responsible for the energy crisis.
As leader of the opposition, Merz was allowed to speak first. After appearing statesmanlike at first, the CDU leader switched to attack mode after eight minutes. “You lack the ability to think politically and strategically in economic policy,” said Merz zu Scholz.
The Union faction leader accuses the government of not finding the right answer to the energy crisis. Above all, however, the decision by Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) to shut down three nuclear power plants in the middle of the historic energy crisis is a target for Merz. “Stop this madness,” Merz shouted in the direction of Scholz. He warned that the decision could irrevocably damage Germany as a business location.
Top jobs of the day
Find the best jobs now and
be notified by email.
Habeck spoke on television the night before about small businesses such as bakers who may have to go out of business but did not necessarily have to file for bankruptcy. The appearance caused irritation – and was another template for Merz.
One can only hope for the medium-sized companies that they had already lain in bed and didn’t have to watch what the Minister of Economics had said, said Merz.
Merz criticized the Economics Minister for his nuclear power plant proposal.
(Photo: Getty Images)
Mr. Habeck could “formulate nicely, you can also watch him think,” says Merz. But Habeck was “surrounded by a group of lobbyists from environmental groups who are taking down everything that has even a reasonable chance of success in dealing with this crisis”.
Habeck followed the attacks motionless. When he gets up for a moment, Merz shoots the Economics Minister again. Habeck has obviously already left Parliament. “He’s probably just watching last night’s movies.”
Scholz rejects attacks from Merz
Scholz also initially showed little reaction until he stepped up to the lectern. The chancellor, who is known for his rather soporific appearances, defended his government’s course in an engaging speech.
Exchange of blows on the energy crisis: Olaf Scholz attacks
Scholz accused Merz of irresponsible action. “Anyone who talks about division endangers cohesion in this country. And that’s the wrong thing now,” said the Chancellor in the direction of the Union faction leader. Scholz accused the Union of serious omissions during the reign of ex-Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU). “This is irresponsible CDU policy,” he said.
Scholz relies on public spirit, he has made “You’ll never walk alone” the leitmotif of his politics in the crisis. “In difficult times, our country surpasses itself. We have a good tradition of linking arms when things get difficult.”
The other line of defense is that the federal government has prepared the country for a difficult winter as best it can over the past few months. The Chancellor refers to the now well-stocked gas storage facilities.
>> Read here: 1600 euros for families and up to 870 euros for singles – who benefits from the new relief?
The traffic light coalition tackled the problem early on. “We solved it before you even realized there was one,” said Scholz. “At a pace that no CDU-led government in this country has ever been able to.”
Chancellor accuses Union of failures
The chancellor accuses the previous government under Merkel, and thus the Union, of failings. Scholz accused the Union of bearing “complete responsibility” for “that Germany made decisions to phase out coal and nuclear energy” but never had the strength “to get into anything”. “They were incapable of bringing about the expansion of renewable energies,” shouted the Chancellor.
Scholz sharply rejects the attacks by Merz in the Bundestag.
(Photo: dpa)
The Union acknowledged this by pointing out that the SPD had been in government under Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) for twelve of the past 16 years, most recently with Scholz as Vice Chancellor.
>> Read here: All current developments in the energy crisis in the news blog
Between all the mutual reproaches between Ampel and Union, there was only a brief moment of unity when Merz rebuked the scolding AfD boss Alice Weidel. “Now don’t get upset, the parliamentary doctor is here,” shouted Merz. The AfD will not be allowed to incite the country. You will counter that with all groups, says Merz. There was also applause for this from the traffic light deputies.
More: How much relief for the economy is possible?