The strategy of tabling a confidence vote in January was “irresponsible” and a “mere delay,” Merz said after a special meeting of conservative lawmakers in Berlin. He said he wants the vote to take place next week – a suggestion rejected by Scholz
Admin I Friday, November 08, 2024
BERLIN, Germany – The German conservative leader hoping to replace embattled Chancellor Olaf Scholz applied further pressure on Friday for early elections, as Europe’s biggest economy grappled with a major political crisis.
Friedrich Merz, the leader of the opposition centre-right Christian Democrats, accused Social Democrat Scholz of delaying tactics because Scholz had refused to speed up his planned timetable for fresh elections, following the collapse of his governing three-party coalition earlier this week.
Following the sudden departure of the liberal Free Democrats from his coalition, after Scholz sacked their leader as finance minister, the chancellor suggested a vote of confidence in the lower house, or Bundestag, for January 15.
If this fails as expected, given that Scholz no longer has a majority in parliament, a snap election would have to be held within 60 days after that, meaning elections are likely in March.
For Merz, whose party is riding high in the polls, this is far too late. The strategy of tabling a confidence vote in January was “irresponsible” and a “mere delay,” Merz said after a special meeting of conservative lawmakers in Berlin. He said he wants the vote to take place next week – a suggestion rejected by Scholz.
The drawn-out timetable revealed that “obviously party-political motives are at the forefront” for Scholz, Merz said.
Sacked finance minister Christian Lindner made similar accusations after his dismissal, and has also called for an “immediate” vote of confidence and new elections. The far-right Alternative for Germany party has also opposed any delay.
The Greens – Scholz’s only remaining coalition partner – have said little about the election timetable. But Greens leader Robert Habeck – the current vice chancellor – on Friday put himself forward as the party’s candidate for chancellor whenever new elections are held.
Scholz had argued that leaving the vote of confidence until January would allow him to pass the most vital and urgent legislation, before parliament is dissolved.
Merz suggested that Scholz should combine a vote of confidence with a planned government statement that he is due to give in parliament on Wednesday.
