German Coalition: ‘A Burning Hut’

Economic woes, political disagreements, media backlash and dissatisfied voters are putting pressure on Germany’s governing coalition, and it may be approaching a breaking point. “Speculation is mounting that the center-left government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz may be about to collapse,” Deutsche Welle commented on November 4.

There’s no denying that the coalition is a burning hut at the moment.
—Saskia Esken, Social Democrat cochair

Fuel to the fire: The publication on Friday featured an 18-page economic plan by German Finance Minister Christian Lindner of the neoliberal Free Democrats. This has added fuel to the debate, as the Social Democrats and Greens oppose many of the plan’s suggestions. If no compromise is reached, the government is likely to collapse.

What next? The coalition partners will consult with each other over the next few days. A decision is expected on Wednesday. The Trumpet expects a changed Germany to eventually emerge from the current turmoil.

Learn more: Read A Strong German Leader Is Imminent.