Chancellor Olaf Scholz has experienced many firsts since taking over government responsibility at the end of last year – now there is one more: For the first time this Thursday (11 a.m.) as Chancellor, the SPD politician will answer questions from the capital’s journalists in a summer press conference. FOCUS online accompanies the press conference from 11 a.m. in the live ticker.
12.48 p.m .: The last question for the Chancellor: Does he miss Angela Merkel? Scholz laughs: “I like to talk to her on the phone, but I also like being chancellor.
12.46 p.m .: To what extent could Scholz optimize his crisis management? “We cannot sit back and relax, we have to keep going,” says Scholz. This also applies to the corona pandemic. The new infection protection law should be passed soon after the discussions with the federal states have ended. No one can say for sure what course the pandemic will take. “If things get tight, the options are available to the countries.”
12.45 p.m .: The press conference is coming to an end – two questions are still allowed.
12.43 p.m .: A dictated peace in Ukraine cannot work, says Scholz. “Peace can only be as Ukraine imagines it to be,” he says.
12.40 p.m .: Germany is also trying to get weapons repaired and ammunition delivered. There are agreements with Slovakia, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands and Greece. “That’s also possible with Poland, if it’s desired,” he clarifies. “If you consider what one or the other is saying, I’m not so sure,” he says, referring to the critical statements made by Poland’s President Morawiecki, who accused stronger EU states like Germany of “imperialism” towards smaller ones.
12:37 p.m .: Poland is disappointed by the German arms deliveries to Ukraine, says a Polish journalist. Scholz counters: “Germany is supplying Ukraine with the most essential weapons,” and names the “Gepard” tank and other self-propelled howitzers, along with the Netherlands. In addition, they continue to take care of procuring state-of-the-art weapons.
12:36 p.m .: Scholz remains short and sweet. “Yes,” he says when asked if he plans to visit the Arab world.
12.34 p.m .: When did Scholz last speak to Johannes Kahrs? “I don’t want to give the answer that some here fear. But it must have been a long time ago,” he says with a grin. Scholz denies the question of whether he is currently in contact with Kahrs.
12:32 p.m .: There will be no income tax increase for top earners, says Scholz. Neither is an excess profit tax, he adds.
12:27 p.m .: Germany has invested billions to advance the semiconductor industry in order to reduce dependencies. “The most important thing is the expansion of renewable energies,” Scholz repeats again. You have to position yourself in such a way that in five to ten years you can say that there have been transitional phases until the expansion of renewables has been completely successful, so that the supply is secured.
12:23 p.m .: Did a meeting between Scholz and Kahrs take place in autumn 2016, a journalist asks? “I’ve already said everything there is to say about it and I’ll do it again,” says Scholz. He repeats himself: there was no political influence. So far, no one has said that in two and a half years you simply haven’t managed to confirm that. “But I’m human enough that it would make me happy if someone would bring it to their hearts.”
12.18 p.m .: Scholz continues to talk about the housing benefit reform and the citizen benefit reform, which should help ensure that the poverty gap in Germany does not increase any further. Many projects, such as improving the disability pension, are not even on the screen because they are not part of the public debate, criticizes Scholz.
12.15 p.m .: “The government has always managed to make the big decisions in good time,” Scholz praises his own work and names the relief measures and the preparations for the expansion of renewable energies.
12:13 p.m .: A journalist asks about relief measures for students. Scholz talks about the Bafög increase. That’s six euros, says the journalist. Does that fill the plates? Scholz’ again vague answer: “We take a look at everyone, including children, students and pensioners.”
12.10 p.m .: A journalist asks again about Scholz’s role in the Cum-Ex scandal. Scholz initially said that he did not remember meeting the Warburg boss, but then he did. According to the journalist, he “stole 47 million euros from the state”. Scholz counters: “It is not credible to mix facts into a question that are not correct”. These claims could not be substantiated. “Think about it before you ask something like that,” Scholz replies, visibly annoyed.
12:07 p.m .: Does Scholz rule out pipeline projects? “No,” says Scholz. Specifically, for example, it is the pipeline between Rostock and Schwedt, which is extremely important. A pipeline from Portugal via Spain and France would have provided a lot of relief. That’s why he tackled it. Scholz is confident that the expansion of renewable energies will ensure that they become cheaper in the long term.
12.03 p.m .: Where is Scholz’s focus on the relief? According to Scholz, it rests on the working people who earn too little or normally. For those he demands respect. He emphasizes: “For me, respect is something that has unfortunately been lost in our society”. But he would also employ those who earn more and still have few reserves. He repeats again: “We won’t leave you alone.”
12:00 p.m .: Scholz appreciates the independence of the ECB, he emphasizes in the context of European fiscal policy. However, one would like more flexibility as far as the European reconstruction fund is concerned. Scholz remains vague again.
11:55 a.m .: One should have made oneself independent of Russian energy earlier, Scholz repeats. However, it is correct that there were no sanctions affecting imports. Many countries are extremely dependent, including Germany, Scholz affirms.
11.53 a.m .: How does Scholz feel about an entry ban for Russia? “This is Putin’s war and that’s why I have a hard time with this idea,” said Scholz. The sanctions would affect many people involved in the Russian power network. General bans would weaken these sanctions. Innocent people should not be affected.
11.49 a.m .: Again and again there are quarrels in the traffic lights, according to a journalist. “We are still three different parties,” said Scholz. They have agreed on a coalition agreement and will work through it. “If three parties govern in Germany, then there will always be friction.”
11.48 a.m .: Is Scholz planning an initial visit to China? “That’s a date we’re talking about, but it hasn’t been fixed yet,” said Scholz.
11.46 a.m .: The nine-euro ticket was a complete success. That’s why a journalist asks: “Which of your government’s successes do you still want to end?” The press representatives laugh, Scholz too. “None,” he says. However, the ticket was limited from the start.
11.44 a.m .: Under what circumstances would Scholz welcome Putin back to Germany? Scholz does not answer the question. He continues to appeal for support for Ukraine. There will be no dictated peace. “I don’t think so,” says Scholz when asked whether Schröder could be useful again.
11.42 a.m .: It’s all about Cum-Ex again. Scholz would like to “kindly point out” that many people have been testifying in the case for 2.5 years and the result has always been that politics had no influence on decisions. However, he would still comment again in the committee of inquiry.
11.41 a.m .: A Swiss journalist asks whether Scholz can say anything about the status of a possible energy agreement with Switzerland. His answer: “No”. The chancellor grins, the hall laughs.
11:38 a.m .: Scholz is convinced that social support for all sections of the population will be promoted. When asked about the lower income brackets, Scholz remains vague: “The citizen’s income is coming.”
11:37 a.m .: A journalist addresses the Cum-Ex scandal. What does Scholz know about Johannes Kahrs’ locker? “Nothing,” says the chancellor with a grin. “You probably know more about that.”
11.35 a.m .: Germany has a special task, says Scholz. “We have to ensure that Europe’s progress and future viability works, and I’m committed to that.”
11.32 a.m .: What about European solidarity? “The solidarity is better than it was predicted a few years ago,” Scholz begins. The reaction to the Russian aggression was very unified and in solidarity. The sanctions are very far-reaching and would also change a lot for Europe. “We will remain in solidarity, at least Germany will be.”
11.30 a.m .: The Ukraine war continues. The Russian war crimes would be solved, says Scholz. The EU will help with that. Putin is responsible for the war, Scholz repeats.
11.26 a.m .: How does Scholz feel about Lindner’s inflation compensation plans? Scholz begins: “Finance Minister Olaf Scholz has compensated for the cold progression twice,” he laughs. “Then that has to be right,” adds Scholz. Lindner’s plans are a sensible Impfuls. But you have to think further, the housing allowance, the commuter allowance and support for students and pensioners must also follow.
11:23 a.m .: A question about the gas supply – isn’t the conversion to LNG terminals too late? Scholz has supported the expansion for years. “There have been years of preparatory work that are helping us now,” says Scholz. But investment decisions were constantly being postponed. The first terminals will be connected early next year. “We’re moving at an unbelievable pace,” says Scholz.
11:20 a.m .: “No, I don’t think we will have such social unrest in this country,” Scholz answered another request. “The citizens are smart,” says Scholz. They would know what to expect now. The state would support: “This is the German answer to this crisis.”
11.18 a.m .: “I didn’t fool myself with the turn of the century,” says Scholz. It is a new time. During this time you have to support Ukraine and take care of your own security. This also includes the 100 billion euro special fund for the Bundeswehr. “The fact that we decided that quickly is a good sign for the coalition.”
11.16 a.m .: Has Scholz’s perspective on progress changed since the beginning of the war? “The issue of progress unites our coalition,” says Scholz. That is still important. This includes technological modernization, the expansion of renewable energies and the fight against the shortage of skilled workers. Because of the changes caused by the war, things would be accelerated even more, according to Scholz.
11.14 a.m .: When will the third relief package come? Scholz does not answer the question directly and says “as soon as possible”. Individual relief would only take effect now.
11.13 a.m .: Does Scholz expect social tensions in winter? Scholz repeats: “The citizens are not left alone.” Citizens will feel the relief measures. There will be another package to help citizens deal with high prices. Germany has a high employment rate. “We have a chance of getting through this crisis well, even if it gets difficult.”
11.11 a.m .: “I look forward to your questions,” Scholz ends his statement. Here we go! The question and answer session lasts between 75 and 90 minutes. “At least 80 hands go up right away,” as the spokesman for the federal press conference notes.
11.09 a.m .: The government’s central project is Germany’s autonomy and independence from fossil imports, says Scholz. They want to convert industries, expand climate neutrality and renewable energies. “We want to make up for all the omissions,” says Scholz.
11.08 a.m .: Lindner’s proposals for inflation compensation are “very, very helpful”, said Scholz. “Nobody should be left alone and shoulder these consequences alone,” says the Chancellor.
11.06 a.m .: Scholz refers to the two relief packages that are already having an effect: These include the abolition of the EEG levy, the heating cost flat rate, as well as a higher commuter flat rate and the 9-euro ticket. “I said ‘You’ll never walk alone’ and I stand by that,” said the Chancellor. He cares about everyone, regardless of income.
11.05 a.m .: Now you are working on not getting into a gas emergency: This includes savings measures, the rapid expansion of LNG terminals and the consideration of letting the three nuclear power plants run longer. “We are in intensive preparation,” said Scholz.
11:04 a.m .: The biggest challenge is Russia’s terrible war in Ukraine. Ukraine will continue to be actively supported, military, financial and moral. He asked last year: “What happens if we don’t get any more Russian gas?” But he had to realize: “Before that, nobody had asked themselves this question.
11.03 a.m .: “I’m happy to talk about any topic that concerns you. We are in serious times – everyone knows that,” Scholz begins. But he is also looking forward to the holiday season. “I recovered well during my vacation,” reveals Scholz.
11:01 a.m .: Scholz has already been a guest at the federal press conference 33 times. Now he is there for the first time as chancellor.
11 a.m.: Scholz has arrived and takes a seat in front of the journalists. A few photos will be snapped – then the press can ask their questions.
10.50 a.m .: It starts in ten minutes! The Federal Chancellor is about to answer questions from the capital’s journalists. We accompany the press conference in the live ticker.
He is thus continuing the practice of his predecessor Angela Merkel (CDU), who went to the federal press conference every year directly before or after her summer vacation. Scholz will have to ask himself many urgent questions. The topics should be:
The debate about the delivery of heavy weapons to Ukraine has meanwhile lost some of its sharpness and volume, but it has not ended because the wishes in Kyiv are still great. Although Germany is now supplying weapons, a number of things went wrong, such as the planned exchange of armored rings with Poland.
How is Germany getting through the winter in terms of energy in view of the severely curtailed gas supplies from Russia? This question is asked not only by the citizens but above all by the companies in this country. Can other gas producers step in? And shouldn’t the final phase-out of nuclear energy planned for the end of the year be postponed after all?
Even if there is enough energy for all households and for industry, it will always be expensive. Probably even more expensive than today. In addition, there are rapid price increases in other areas, especially food. In view of this development, are the relief packages put together by the traffic light coalition, totaling around 30 billion euros, sufficient? Scholz is likely to be asked these questions as well as the plans for tax relief for citizens of around ten billion euros in the coming year, which have just been presented by Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP).
The number of corona infections is still high – even very high for the summer. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) and Justice Minister Marco Buschmann (FDP) have now jointly presented a concept in the event that the already severe corona summer wave should become an even larger autumn and winter wave. What does the Chancellor actually think of these plans, which are primarily based on the increased wearing of masks?
All of these issues are directed towards the future – but the past should also catch up with the chancellor. It’s about his role as Hamburg’s head of government in the Warburg Bank tax affair, the so-called cum-ex deals. For Scholz, the appearance in the federal press conference could be a foretaste of August 19, when he has to testify again as a witness in the Parliamentary Investigative Committee of the Hamburg Parliament.
Surf tip: Chancellor – What Olaf Scholz earns and what his wife contributes to the wealth
