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Germany after the traffic light coalition: The quest for a strong and stable government

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Everyone wants a strong government. German business leaders are pushing for swift action, and EU leaders, who rely on German leadership, are eager for a stable and effective Germany. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier calls for “stable majorities” and “a government that can act,” appealing for “reason and responsibility” and stressing the need to “avoid tactics and confrontation.”

Initially, all eyes are on the SPD and CDU. Yesterday’s meeting between Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Friedrich Merz, who is expected to become the next chancellor, was highly anticipated. “We’ll take a look at the laws you bring to parliament,” Merz replied, with one condition: “Don’t postpone the vote of confidence until January.”

Even if Scholz holds onto his position, the SPD seems ready to share power with the conservative and powerful CDU. According to Handelsblatt, an internal CDU document analyzing the collapse of the traffic light coalition reveals that the SPD has been planning for some time to remove the FDP and Christian Lindner from the government.

This brings us back to German business leaders and the German economy.

Saxony’s CDU premier, Michael Kretschmer, welcomes the early end of the traffic light coalition in Berlin. “If the traffic light coalition had continued for another ten months, the economic situation in the state would have worsened,” Kretschmer states.

The CDU leader warns that companies are moving away, and notes that local authorities are already facing a deficit of 15 billion euros. “Every day a new government is in formation is an opportunity and a gain for Germany,” he asserts.

In representing the desires of German capital, the CDU voices the concerns of the business community. Following the coalition’s collapse, economic leaders are pressing for new elections as soon as possible.

The business leaders demand ‘geopolitical action’: The U.S., Ukraine, Middle East… No time to waste

“Every day with this government is a lost day,” says Dirk Jandura, President of the Federation of German Foreign Trade (BGA), calling for new elections as soon as possible.

Christoph Ahlhaus, Federal Managing Director of the BVMW (German Association of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises), echoes this urgency, stating that a vote of confidence in January is “too late” and that the current Chancellor “no longer inspires confidence.”

Prominent industry associations, including the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), German Chemical Industry Association (VCI), and German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association (ZVEI), also urge a speedy re-election.

VDA President Hildegard Müller highlights the pressing need for change, pointing to the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, Donald Trump’s election victory, a new European Commission, unresolved trade issues with China, and Germany’s weakened position as an investment hub. According to Müller, these challenges demand a federal government with “maximum capacity for action and determination” as soon as possible.

Peter Adrian, President of the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), adds that Germany’s economy requires an economic policy that promotes investment and growth. He therefore hopes for only a brief transitional period.

Tim-Oliver Müller, Managing Director of the Federation of the German Construction Industry, expresses hope that the crisis can be resolved by “all democratic parties assuming responsibility for state policy.”

Meanwhile, Marcel Fratzscher, President of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), asserts that the war in Ukraine demanded priority shifts and a radical course correction in economic and financial policy, which he believes the current government failed to undertake.

Business leaders are also voicing their impatience. Matthias Zachert, CEO of chemicals group Lanxess, tells Handelsblatt, “I can’t understand why the Chancellor doesn’t want to call new elections before March. The Chancellor must pave the way for new elections immediately. Every day is crucial. We can’t afford to stall until March.”

Reform expectations: Less bureaucracy, lower taxes, and a stronger energy transition

The Mittelstand—a term for companies regarded as the backbone of the German economy—is also voicing its demands. Often described as “like SMEs but not like SMEs”, these family-owned enterprises dominate global export markets in specific sectors and are essential to Germany’s economic success.

Paul Niederstein, chairman of Coatinc (Germany’s oldest family-owned business in galvanizing), supports a faster reorganization of the federal government. “I think new elections in March are too late. Scholz is not showing consistency by dragging his feet until March,” he argues.

Michael Otto, owner of the Otto Group retail company, stresses “speed” in forming a new government. Echoing sentiments similar to Trump’s, he states, “We need a government that can act very quickly,” advocating for elections before Trump potentially takes office.

Martin Herrenknecht, founder of the tunnel-boring machine manufacturer Herrenknecht, outlines key reform expectations: reduced bureaucracy, tax relief for low-wage workers, control over the expanding welfare state, regulated migration policies, digitalization, and investments in infrastructure and education.

Northern Europe calls for ‘strong German leadership’

Martin Herrenknecht, founder of Herrenknecht, also advocates for increased investment in defense. Viewing recent events in the US as a wake-up call for Europe, he emphasizes, “To protect our democracies against autocrats and despots, we must build up our own defense.” In Germany, the call for militarization of the economy and society is gaining momentum.

Across sectors, the push for less red tape is clear, with tax cuts for SMEs and reform high on the agenda. Business leaders are calling for strong, decisive leadership to address these pressing issues.

However, some express concerns about the state of the German workforce. Frank Natus, chairman of VTU in Trier, criticized Chancellor Scholz, stating that Germany faces high taxes, the highest energy costs in Europe, extensive bureaucracy, and a skilled labor shortage. “We have become too lazy, lethargic, and complacent in Germany, and that must change urgently,” Natus asserts.

Paul Niederstein, head of Coatinc, echoed similar concerns, remarking that high sickness rates reflect a workforce he described as “too spoiled and overconfident.”

EU leaders are watching these developments closely. At the recent European Political Community (EPC) summit in Budapest, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo expressed hope for speedy elections in Germany, stressing that Europe needs a strong German government. His Belgian, Swedish, and Danish counterparts—Alexander De Croo, Ulf Kristersson, and Mette Frederiksen—share this view.

Is an AfD policy possible without the AfD?

German business leaders seem to be calling for policies that resemble those of the Alternative for Germany (AfD). Ironically, the “spirit” of this party, once considered outside the mainstream, is now being invoked in economic discourse, with significant overlap in economic platforms.

It is often forgotten these days that the AfD was founded in 2013 by a group of ‘free market economists’ who were fundamentally critical of European integration, and angry at the EU’s bailout of Greece and other heavily indebted eurozone countries.

According to AfD deputy leader and budget committee spokesman Peter Böhringer(*), the party wants a ‘free market economy with a social perspective’, largely based on the 1948 model of Ludwig Erhard, the Christian Democrat politician who laid the foundations for Germany’s post-war reconstruction. The relationship between this economic policy, also known as ordoliberalism, Nazism and post-war federal Germany deserves a much longer analysis. But it recognises the limits of the ‘German miracle’: The AfD is committed to limiting the role of the state and advocates cutting taxes, including those that are seen as a ‘means of redistributing wealth’. Its anti-redistribution rhetoric about ‘the share of welfare that goes to immigrants’ also appeals to lower-income Germans and Germans with a migrant background.

Any state-run economy will sooner or later end up in misallocation and corruption,’ says the party’s economic programme, which advocates cutting state subsidies and abolishing the tax cap, as well as wealth and inheritance taxes.

Companies would make a profit and there would be enough money to help the poor: This is the cornerstone of the AfD’s ‘social market economy’.

However, the AfD does not yet have an ‘industrial policy’. More precisely, it still turns up its nose at the partnership between the state and the private sector for re-industrialisation that is now being widely discussed in the West. It therefore polls well in eastern Germany, where the need for an ‘energy turnaround’ is high.

But it is clear that the march to ‘power’ will not be both this and that, or neither this nor that. The Germany of exporters needs a strong, ‘less bureaucratic’ government, but at the same time a debt-free and ‘re-industrialised’ Germany. If the CDU-SPD ‘grand coalition’ does not work, an AfD-ised CDU or a CDU-ised AfD is the perfect solution. It is not soothsaying to expect a ‘recalibration’ of the two parties in the coming year.


(*) Peter Böhringer is a member of the libertarian Friedrich August von Hayek Foundation. In every party of the global ‘populist’ wave, without exception, you can find traces of libertarian organisations and ideas that say ‘this is not real capitalism’.

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German defense minister clears way for Scholz to lead SPD into elections

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Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has officially withdrawn as the Social Democratic Party’s (SPD) top candidate for the upcoming election, ending weeks of speculation about his potential to replace Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

In a video message released by the SPD on Thursday evening, Pistorius stated that the ongoing public debate had harmed the party’s unity. He informed the party leadership that he was unsuitable for the chancellorship.

“Olaf Scholz is a strong chancellor and the right candidate for the chancellorship,” Pistorius said, emphasizing that the party leader embodies “reason and common sense.” He further urged, “We now have a joint responsibility to bring this debate to an end because there is a lot at stake.”

When Scholz triggered early elections two weeks ago, many assumed he would automatically serve as the SPD’s candidate, given his role as the incumbent chancellor. However, polls revealed that Pistorius, who has been defense minister since early 2023, had become Germany’s most popular politician, sparking a de facto leadership race.

Scholz faces declining approval ratings

In contrast to Pistorius’ popularity, Scholz suffered from one of the lowest approval ratings among German politicians. Voters blamed him for months of political infighting that crippled the three-way “traffic light” coalition, which ultimately collapsed earlier this month.

Despite this, the SPD central leadership continued to back Scholz. Meanwhile, Pistorius faced increasing criticism for failing to address the leadership speculation. In his video message, Pistorius denied initiating the controversy but acknowledged that it had caused “growing uncertainty” within the party and “resentment” among voters.

He emphasized that the decision to step aside was his own and pledged his full support to Scholz, whom he described as an “extraordinary” chancellor. Pistorius also affirmed his commitment to campaigning for the SPD’s re-election.

Supporters react with disappointment

Pistorius’ withdrawal left many of his supporters disheartened. “I regret this development. The aim now must be to work together and achieve the best possible election result for the SPD,” said Joe Weingarten, an SPD member of parliament, in an interview with Der Spiegel.

Another MP, Johannes Arlt, remarked, “I would have preferred a different decision, but now we have one. It is good for the party and the country. We will now go into the federal election campaign united.”

A two-way race for the chancellorship

With Pistorius stepping down, the race for the chancellorship is now expected to be between Olaf Scholz and Friedrich Merz, leader of the opposition Christian Democrats (CDU). Merz, a millionaire and former BlackRock Germany executive, has been polling ahead of Scholz since taking over the CDU leadership in 2022. Scholz’s supporters, however, remain optimistic that he can close the gap and outperform Merz in the upcoming election.

Pistorius: A proponent of German remilitarization

Known for his pragmatic approach to military affairs, Pistorius, 64, earned respect for his tough stance on Russia and advocacy for Germany’s rearmament. Following his appointment as defense minister in 2023, he made clear his opposition to the SPD’s historical reluctance to increase military spending.

Describing Vladimir Putin as “the despot in the Kremlin,” Pistorius warned that Germany must boost defense investments and ensure it is “combat ready.” His hardline approach on security and defense issues distinguished him within the SPD and cemented his popularity among voters.

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Poland urges EU to increase spending on eastern defence

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Poland, NATO’s largest defence spender, has urged its EU partners to bolster border defences with Russia and Belarus. The move aims to demonstrate a firm commitment to European security, particularly in light of Donald Trump’s influence on global defence policies.

Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka, the deputy minister responsible for preparations for Poland’s EU presidency, set to begin in January, told The Financial Times (FT) that the EU should invest in strengthening border fortifications and air surveillance systems under the Eastern Shield initiative.

“I think solidarity on the Eastern Shield could help show Trump that, as the EU, we understand what needs to be done for defence. If Trump says he will only work with countries that invest in defence, that’s fine for Poland, because we already spend 4% of GDP on defence. But what about the others? Funding the Eastern Shield would demonstrate the shared commitment of European countries,” Sobkowiak-Czarnecka explained.

The Eastern Shield, announced in May, comprises advanced fortifications and air surveillance systems along Poland’s borders with Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. This initiative is central to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s strategy to counter what he describes as “Russian aggression”, including the “hybrid war” linked to facilitating illegal migration from Belarus into Poland.

The Tusk government has allocated PLN 10 billion (€2.3 billion) for the Eastern Shield as part of broader defence expenditures. These investments will increase Poland’s defence spending from 4.1% of GDP in 2023 to 4.7% by 2025, the highest in NATO and more than double the alliance’s 2% GDP target. In contrast, some EU nations, such as Italy and Spain, have yet to meet this benchmark.

“All our partners must understand that the Eastern Shield is not solely about Poland but also about safeguarding the EU’s borders,” said Sobkowiak-Czarnecka.

Trump’s potential return to the presidency has heightened concerns across EU capitals, given his promises to impose tariffs on the bloc and signals of a potential resolution to the Ukraine conflict that could favor Russia.

Sobkowiak-Czarnecka underscored Poland’s commitment to enhancing EU security on multiple fronts, from increasing military equipment production to countering disinformation and securing energy supplies.

“This Polish presidency comes at a critical juncture. As an expert on Ukraine and one of the strongest U.S. allies in Europe, Poland will be a guiding light in these challenging times,” she concluded.

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European energy market in turmoil: Gas prices reach one-year high

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The European energy market faces significant challenges as natural gas prices soar to their highest levels in a year. A combination of escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Gazprom’s suspension of natural gas supplies to Austria, and colder-than-expected weather has placed substantial pressure on the market.

Industry representatives acknowledge that while sufficient gas supplies exist, the supply-demand balance remains fragile. Negative developments or geopolitical news could quickly trigger additional price surges.

On Thursday, Dutch TTF futures—a key European natural gas benchmark—rose to €48.8 per megawatt-hour (MWh) (equivalent to $538 per 1,000 cubic meters), a level last observed in November 2023. Since the end of the heating season on 31 March, prices have climbed by more than 150%.

The price surge accelerated on Wednesday after Ukraine targeted Russian territory using British-made Storm Shadow missiles. By the close of the trading day, prices had increased by 2.5%, reaching €46.8/MWh.

On the same day, the United States issued a warning based on intelligence reports, predicting a major air strike in the region. Following this warning, many Western countries evacuated their embassies in Kyiv.

Adding to the tensions, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of carrying nuclear payloads. This event aligns with speculation about changes in Russia’s nuclear doctrine and the US’s authorization for Ukraine to target Russian territory with long-range missiles.

While liquefied natural gas (LNG) demand in Asia remains low, traders are turning their focus to Europe to capitalize on surging prices, according to Bloomberg.

Despite the increased volatility, Gas Infrastructure Europe reports that gas storage facilities across Europe are 90% full. However, the heating season, combined with freezing temperatures in Northern Europe, has amplified concerns about market stability.

Torgrim Reitan, Equinor’s Chief Financial Officer, emphasized that the market’s fragile balance increases the influence of external factors on pricing dynamics.

The state of pipeline gas supplies from Russia is another major concern. On 16 November, Gazprom halted deliveries to Austria’s OMV, citing unresolved payment issues. The company is attempting to recover part of a €230 million arbitration judgment through this suspension.

Despite this, Gazprom continues to supply 42.4 million cubic meters of gas daily to Europe via Ukraine. However, OMV cannot access these supplies and must turn to other sources, such as Slovakia, to meet Austria’s energy needs. According to OMV officials, Austria’s energy requirements are fully covered by alternative suppliers.

Jon Treacy, editor of the investment newsletter Fuller Treacy Money, noted that although Austria maintains official neutrality, most of OMV’s customers are NATO members. Treacy added that Russia’s “long, cold winter” strategy aims to exert pressure on regions beyond Ukraine over the long term.

Market analysts warn that transit through Ukraine—a minor contributor to the European Union’s total gas imports—could be entirely cut off by January 2024. Such a development would further strain an already delicate market, potentially driving prices even higher.

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