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Economist Podcasts

Parting Scholz: what next for Germany?

Nov 12, 2024
Tom Nuttall, Chief Germany correspondent for The Economist, and Sasha Nauta, Social affairs editor, delve into Germany's political turmoil after its coalition collapse. They discuss the urgent need for robust leadership amidst ongoing crises like Ukraine, and the implications of this instability on European politics. Nauta also tackles a controversial study on racial disparities in healthcare, revealing flaws in initial interpretations, particularly regarding neonatal care. The conversation highlights critical socio-political issues and their interconnectedness.
23:46

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Quick takeaways

  • Germany's political instability from the coalition collapse underscores the urgent need for effective leadership amid rising international pressures, particularly from Russia and Trump's election.
  • The upcoming election in Germany will focus on significant economic challenges, including labor shortages and the necessity for increased public investment in infrastructure and defense.

Deep dives

Political Crisis in Germany

Germany's recent political crisis stems from the collapse of a fragile three-party coalition government, which was struggling with internal disagreements and a lack of cohesion. The breakdown was catalyzed by a conflict between Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Finance Minister Christian Lindner, leading to Lindner's dismissal and the subsequent withdrawal of his party from the government. This turmoil occurred against the backdrop of escalating concerns about the implications of Donald Trump's election victory for Europe and the ongoing war in Ukraine, highlighting the urgent need for stable leadership. As a result, a minority government is now in place, facing a confidence vote and the promise of new elections, which may lead to a significantly different political landscape in Germany and beyond.

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