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"Much clearer than during the Merkel era" - Ampel rejects Merz's criticism

Friedrich Merz is targeting what is probably the Chancellor's most sore point: the head of the opposition CDU is demanding more leadership responsibility in Europe from Germany.

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"Much clearer than during the Merkel era" - Ampel rejects Merz's criticism

Friedrich Merz is targeting what is probably the Chancellor's most sore point: the head of the opposition CDU is demanding more leadership responsibility in Europe from Germany. “In our discussion in Germany, we make ourselves smaller than we are seen from outside, from many member states of the European Union, but also from outside the EU. That means: Germany must be ready to take on more leadership responsibility. Not leadership alone, but leadership responsibility for Europe,” said Merz in an interview with the German Press Agency.

Olaf Scholz (SPD) has repeatedly used his authority to set guidelines in traffic light disputes this year, for example in the extension of nuclear lifespans or the participation of the Chinese shipping company Cosco in a container terminal in the Port of Hamburg.

But the social democrat's leadership style has met with mixed feelings, not least because of his reluctance to support Ukraine against Russia's war attack. Merz points to differences between Scholz and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens). “Ms. Baerbock says a lot, including a lot of things that are right. It's just not often reflected in government policy."

If Baerbock gave the Chancellor public advice during his trip to China about what he had to say there and what not, "that is already an obvious conflict in the federal government about foreign policy on questions of style," said the leader of the Union parliamentary group in the Bundestag. He is alluding to the fact that the Federal Foreign Office and the Green Ministry of Economic Affairs had warned against involvement by the Cosco shipping company and were taking a more critical course towards China overall.

The Greens parliamentary group does not want to comment on Merz's statements when asked by WELT. Merz reaps clear contradiction from the European policy spokesman for the SPD parliamentary group, Christian Petry: "We assume responsibility in the civil and military sectors and thus make a significant contribution to cohesion in Europe," explains Petry.

Germany's partners could "rightly expect that we will continue on this path of strengthening the European Union together. Europe and we in Germany need the politics of the government factions and the federal government right now.

Torsten Herbst, parliamentary director of the FDP parliamentary group, emphasizes that Germany takes leadership "through practical action" and not through loud announcements. “In terms of its consistent stance towards Russia and the human rights situation in countries such as China or Iran, Germany is much clearer today than it was during the Merkel era. In doing so, we are assuming political leadership,” emphasizes Herbst.

It is clear that Germany is not surprising its partners with unilateral announcements, but "always strives for close coordination within the EU and NATO". Herbst sees different nuances between the three government partners, but they still have "a high degree of agreement in terms of foreign policy".

Left faction leader Amira Mohamed Ali, in turn, finds Merz's statements "not up to date". These completely ignored the real concerns of many people. She was not surprised that Merz praised Baerbock "for her aggressive China course". "The differences between the CDU and the Greens are only microscopically discernible in foreign policy."

She expects Scholz "that he will finally reject the Baerbock course". There must be “no new cold war. It is not the job of the German chief diplomat to describe an important trading partner as a 'systemic rival'," says Ali.

AfD faction leader Alice Weidel, on the other hand, warns that a leadership role in foreign policy is not an end in itself. "The chaos in the traffic light coalition stands in the way of a unified appearance and is definitely detrimental to the success of German foreign policy."

German foreign policy must first and foremost "keep an eye on the interests of Germany and its citizens," says Weidel. "Germany can and must appear more self-confident internationally, but not only with the generous pants, but as a tough negotiator in its own interest."

China has sent over 70 warplanes and seven ships across the unofficial Strait of Taiwan border. The maneuvers began after the passage of the US budget law providing for military aid to Taiwan.

Source: WORLD

"Kick-off Politics" is WELT's daily news podcast. The most important topic analyzed by WELT editors and the dates of the day. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music or directly via RSS feed.

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