The self-defence chancellor – Olaf Scholz is running out of time

The pollsters tell the story of an astonishing transformation: it is not Chancellor Olaf Scholz who has changed, but the way citizens view him and his government. Almost two-thirds are dissatisfied with the work of the SPD, Greens and FDP cabinets. It doesn’t take a political scientist to explain the unsettling mood in the country. The disputes among the coalition partners about the third relief package and its financing do not stop. The “progress coalition” seems weakened after a few months. There is no longer a trace of a spirit of optimism.

The beautiful selfies of the green and yellow future government partners, which should signal Angela Merkel’s departure after 16 years, seem to be from a bygone era. Between then and now lie the war in Ukraine and the energy crisis. So the situation is serious. But that is precisely why a new start is needed all the more urgently when the coalition meets for its summer retreat at Meseberg Castle at the end of August.