German Chancellor and opposition argue over early election timing

(CLO) After the three-party coalition in German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government fell apart this week, he announced on Friday (November 8) that he was ready to discuss holding early elections.

Facing pressure from opposition parties, Mr. Scholz suggested the possibility of holding elections in March, half a year earlier than the original schedule, but the opposition demanded elections as early as January to restore political stability.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Budapest, Hungary, November 8, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo

Germany’s political crisis unfolded on Wednesday as Donald Trump won the US presidential election with its uncertain impact on transatlantic trade and wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, prompting two-thirds of German voters to call for a new government to be formed quickly, especially as the German economy faces economic difficulties and geopolitical turmoil.

Tough stance from the opposition

The opposition has threatened to block all bills from Mr Scholz's federal government if he does not quickly hold a confidence vote to pave the way for early elections. However, Mr Scholz has asked the opposition, especially the conservative CDU/CSU, to support the passage of important bills first.

He told the EU summit in Budapest that there should be a “calm debate” in the German parliament about which bills could be passed this year, which he said could help determine the right time for a confidence vote.

Mr. Scholz also stressed that "the election date is not a purely political decision," but that enough time is needed to organize a fair and democratic election.

The conservative opposition appeared to have dismissed Mr Scholz’s proposal outright. “First a vote of confidence, then we can discuss the issues,” conservative MP Alexander Dobrindt told the Rheinische Post. Bild newspaper called on Scholz to “clear the way” for a new government.

"Mr Scholz, you tried and failed. Let the voters hand over power... as quickly as possible," wrote Marion Horn, editor of Bild. According to a survey by ARD, about 65% of German voters agreed, while only 33% supported Scholz's slower timetable.

The internal crisis in Scholz's coalition, which mainly revolved around economic issues and fiscal policy, culminated in his sacking of Finance Minister Christian Lindner, leader of the Free Democratic Party (FDP). This left the current government consisting of only Scholz's Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Green Party.

This week, Chancellor Scholz also faced unexpected criticism from US tech billionaire Elon Musk - an important ally who just helped Mr. Trump win the election - when Musk called him “Narr” (idiot) on social network X. When asked about this comment, Scholz only responded briefly that it was a “not very friendly” remark and emphasized that internet companies “are not state agencies, so I don’t care about that.”

The election campaign has begun

With the Scholz government likely to end soon, German politicians are moving quickly into election campaign mode. The current front-runner in the polls is Friedrich Merz, leader of former Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative CDU party. Lindner, who played a key role in the crisis, has said he wants to return as finance minister in the next administration - after being dismissed by Scholz.

Meanwhile, Mr. Scholz also wants to run for re-election, but according to a Forsa poll, he only received 13% support, compared with 57% for Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, a long-standing public figure.

Speaking in Budapest, Mr Scholz said many European leaders had expressed sympathy for him about the complex situation of party cohesion. "Many people have patted me on the back," he said at a press conference. "Many have experience of coalition governments and know that this will not get easier but will become more difficult - not only in Germany but also in many other countries."

Cao Phong (according to CNA, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/thu-tuong-duc-va-phe-doi-lap-tranh-cai-ve-thoi-gian-bau-cu-som-post320659.html