The result of the German Federal elections in September made it very clear that voters want a government that makes Germany fit for the future and one that strives for sustainable development and solidarity.
We Social Democrats and our candidate Olaf Scholz - as well as our future coalition partners - were the clear winners of this election.
And so with this mandate, we have negotiated a forward-looking and ambitious coalition agreement, which - once agreed upon by all parties - will guide our new government through these difficult and challenging times and lay out a long-term vision for Germany and Europe.
“Despite some minor - and a few major - differences in our political philosophies, what unifies us as coalition partners - Social Democrats, Greens and Liberals - is the commitment to developing the European Union towards a union of progress, freedom, sustainability and equality”
Despite some minor - and a few major - differences in our political philosophies, what unifies us as coalition partners - Social Democrats, Greens and Liberals - is the commitment to developing the European Union towards a union of progress, freedom, sustainability and equality.
With our coalition agreement, we are going beyond Angela Merkel’s and the Conservatives ‘on-the-go’ management of the past. Instead, we will develop a forward-looking agenda for Europe, making Germany a driver of progress and reform and overcoming the conservative mentality of blockades, cutbacks and foul compromise.
The new German government will commit to a strong and sovereign Europe, one that has learnt from the mistakes of the past; we will not fall back into the traps of austerity politics.
Olaf Scholz has shown, as Finance Minister that a new way of crisis management based on investment, increasing social cohesion and strengthening local economies is the way forward.
Our common vision for inclusive and sustainable growth, guided by the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, extends beyond Germany. This narrative has been enshrined in the coalition treaty, and will be the guiding principle for our common work – also within the European Union.
For the EU, this translates practically into a multidimensional approach. We want to strengthen the investment potential in the EU and launch an investment offensive that focuses on transnational projects.
We need to continue to develop the Next Generation EU and adapt it to the changing requirements of rebuilding Europe following the pandemic. We will also couple this with a social dimension, focusing on wage increases for the most vulnerable and adding to increasing social cohesion as well as social inclusion throughout the Union.
“This coalition represents a first in many regards. It is the first time that a three-party coalition has been built on the federal level, and the first time that Greens and Liberals have worked together under the leadership of a social democratic chancellor”
For our international partners, Europe must remain a strong and reliable ally, and we will therefore push for a Europe that takes on greater responsibilities in the international sphere. We will push for the Sustainable Development Goals and for holding the European Union accountable for its pronouncements.
This coalition represents a first in many regards. It is the first time that a three-party coalition has been built on the federal level, and the first time that Greens and Liberals have worked together under the leadership of a social democratic chancellor.
And, while some may have feared that after 16 years of conservatives in power - all of them under Merkel - may lead to a difficult transition, Olaf Scholz is already proving, with his crisis management, that his extensive experience in government is paying dividends.
Under this government, Germany will remain a reliable partner for Europe and internationally. At the same time, however, it will push for progress, sustainability and equality, and fully commit to combatting the crises of today, and tomorrow, together.