German Chancellor Issues Call for Confidence Amid Rise of Far-Right Populism
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addressed the recent success of far-right populist parties in the European parliamentary elections as a “decisive turning point” in politics. He emphasized the importance of not engaging in a competition with populists but instead focusing on restoring trust in mainstream politics amidst global crises.
Scholz urged moderate politicians to provide realistic solutions and avoid simplistic, populist answers. He highlighted the need for a political perspective that offers a good future during uncertain times, emphasizing that three quarters of voters did not support extremist parties.
Looking ahead to EU and NATO summits, Scholz reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to both organizations, emphasizing Europe as a central national purpose. He criticized the far-right Alternative for Germany and condemned lawmakers who boycotted a speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “cowardly.”
In domestic affairs, Scholz rejected any proposed social cuts, pledging to prioritize security, cohesion, and growth in the country’s 2025 budget talks.