Economist Podcasts CDU later: Angela Merkel’s successor
Dec 8, 2021
In this engaging discussion, Tom Nuttall, The Economist's Berlin Bureau Chief, and Stephanie Studer, the China correspondent, dive into pressing global issues. They analyze Olaf Scholz's first steps as Germany's chancellor after Merkel's era, weighing fiscal policies against COVID-19. Meanwhile, they highlight the struggles of single mothers in China battling systemic barriers amid declining birth rates. The conversation also touches on the booming yet risky landscape of mental health apps, stressing the importance of user safety and regulatory measures.
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Scholz's Leadership Style
- Olaf Scholz, Germany's new chancellor, is known for his competence and experience but lacks charisma.
- His political career has been marked by both fiscal prudence and pandemic-induced spending.
Scholz's Fiscal Policy
- Scholz's time as finance minister showed initial fiscal conservatism, followed by significant pandemic spending.
- This demonstrates his belief in saving during good times to spend during crises.
Scholz's Priorities
- Scholz's main focus will be the energy and climate transition, which he considers Germany's biggest challenge.
- Meeting climate targets requires quick action on planning processes and renewable energy investments.