German economy minister eyes chancellorship

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
9 Nov 2024 14:42

Germany's Economy Minister Robert Habeck criticizes populists for creating an "edgy [and] gloomy" atmosphere in Germany and accused Moscow of backing such political movements.

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German Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck briefs the media after the meeting of German government leaders in Berlin, on November 6, 2024. (AP)

German Economy Minister Robert Habeck has announced his candidacy for the chancellorship on behalf of the Green Party, following the recent collapse of the ruling coalition.

As Germany grapples with rising inflation and an ongoing economic downturn, many Germans have placed the blame on the Greens and Habeck personally, with local media reporting that opinion polls show the Greens' approval rating hovering at around 10%.

In a video message posted on YouTube Friday, Habeck, who also serves as vice chancellor, discussed the various crises impacting the lives of ordinary Germans. He warned that "peace and freedom are under pressure unseen for a long time, also here [in Germany]."

“That’s why I have made a decision, that’s why I run for office once again,” Habeck stated, emphasizing his readiness to offer his “experience, strength, and responsibility” in the role of chancellor. “Also as a chancellor, if you want,” he added.

While acknowledging “mistakes,” he reiterated his commitment to earning his “claim to leadership.”

Habeck also criticized populists for creating an "edgy [and] gloomy" atmosphere in Germany and accused Moscow of backing such political movements.

He argued that “[Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s war [against Ukraine] has brought inflation to Germany, and made life, your life, much more expensive.”

Meanwhile, Habeck’s former colleague, Christian Lindner, head of the Free Democratic Party (FDP), expressed disbelief at Habeck’s announcement on X.

“Crazy. Now majority, but already two chancellor candidates in the government,” Lindner wrote, referring to Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is aiming to retain his position.

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Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and chancellor candidate, pointed to the Greens’ low approval ratings, as reported by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

Germany's government coalition earlier this week when Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed Lindner from his role as finance minister, which led to the FDP leaving the coalition. Scholz cited Lindner’s refusal to approve his spending plan, which included increased aid for Ukraine, as the reason for the dismissal.

The rift deepened when Lindner proposed early elections after the three parties failed to reach an agreement on how to address the multibillion-euro deficit in the next year’s budget.

Now leading a minority government, Scholz has announced a vote of confidence in the Bundestag on January 15. If he fails to secure enough support, snap elections could be called for March 2025.

German President poised to approve early elections

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier announced on Thursday that he is prepared to call an early parliamentary election when necessary, following the collapse of the nation's ruling coalition.

Steinmeier has officially dismissed three federal ministers: Finance Minister Christian Lindner, who was removed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz late Wednesday, along with Justice Minister Marco Buschmann and Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger. All three were members of the pro-business Free Democratic Party (FDP).

The FDP, one of the three parties in the coalition with Scholz's Social Democrats and the Greens, withdrew from the government in response to Lindner's dismissal, leaving Scholz with a minority government consisting only of his party and the Greens.