The Intelligence from The Economist You put your left side in: Germany’s shake-about
Nov 25, 2021
Will Caldwell, a writer for 1843 magazine, shares insights from his ride-along with a British lorry driver, revealing the daunting challenges of the profession and the severe shortage affecting supply chains. The conversation also touches on Germany's political landscape, highlighting the rise of a center-left coalition under Olaf Scholz and the implications for Europe. Additionally, Caldwell discusses Maine's innovative “right to food” law, advocating for local food production and its potential impact on the community.
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Germany's New Political Landscape
- Germany's new "traffic light" government marks a shift from center-right to center-left.
- This coalition, led by Olaf Scholz, aims to address "unfinished business" like digitalization and citizenship laws.
Coalition Dynamics and Potential Conflicts
- The coalition comprises the Social Democrats, Greens, and Free Democrats, each with specific ministerial roles.
- A key dynamic will be between the climate/economy minister and the finance minister, potentially leading to disagreements over spending.
Scholz's Challenge: Maintaining Unity
- Olaf Scholz, known for consensus-building, faces the challenge of balancing the coalition's diverse interests.
- This three-party coalition is an experiment due to the parties' differing viewpoints.