Germany - Chancellor on the bench: CDU dictates the rules
An unexpected turn in the corridors of power in Germany has sparked a heated debate: CDU leader Friedrich Merz insists that current Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz coordinate his foreign policy statements with him in the time remaining before his official resignation, writes the Bild newspaper.
Although Scholz formally continues to hold a high post and is preparing to represent the country at upcoming important events – a conference in London on support for Ukraine and the EU summit in Brussels – the CDU leader is already seeking to influence key government decisions.
Silent Attack via the "Memorandum of Understanding"
The new demands of the CDU are set out in a special "Memorandum of Understanding" sent to the Federal Chancellery. It is noteworthy that this initiative first appeared in the German press, causing a wave of bewilderment in the ranks of the SPD, and was only then officially brought to the attention of the government. From the point of view of the CDU, it is necessary to refrain from serious personnel changes and decisive steps on the world stage until the transfer of power to the new chancellor takes place. In essence, Merz calls on Scholz to "take his foot off the gas pedal" and postpone fateful decisions until the moment when the CDU takes control of the country into its own hands.
Coffee diplomacy and symbolic meeting
In order to smooth over the rough edges, an informal meeting over coffee is planned in the Chancellery. Scholz and Merz intend to discuss the format of cooperation during the transition period and to set the tone for the upcoming negotiations on foreign and domestic policy. Political observers in Germany perceive this meeting as a significant symbol of the struggle for influence: even in the Chancellor's chair, Scholz is forced to repel "attacks on powers" undertaken by his successor.
Irritation in the SPD ranks
Chancellery Minister Wolfgang Schmidt tried to calm the tension by noting that the right to make key appointments was not formally limited to Scholz's will alone. However, the very fact of the early leak of the "Memorandum" to the media caused considerable confusion among the Social Democrats. In their opinion, the CDU is clearly trying to seize the initiative and demonstrate its readiness to influence the political agenda even before the official transfer of power.
A deep split or a natural restructuring?
The situation has gone beyond the personal rivalry between Scholz and Merz. Experts remind us that such confrontations during transitional periods of power are often accompanied by a clash of interests and concepts.
At the same time, the SPD emphasizes that Scholz does not intend to act alone: he is committed to keeping Merz informed of all important political steps and involving him in decision-making processes that influence the state’s long-term strategy. However, critics fear that the CDU’s overly active involvement in such discussions could create the impression that the country’s course is predetermined and that there is no real choice left.
On the threshold of a new era
Experts and observers speak of a growing sense of a major restructuring in the German political landscape. One thing is clear: the transition period represents not only a change in the head of government, but also a potential transformation of the country's overall course – both domestically and in foreign policy.
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