Commentary: The Chancellor tells the citizens the truth – and this is bitterly necessary
Parental allowance versus defence. Friedrich Merz has to take something away from the citizens in order to be able to continue financing the business. This creates a bad mood, but there are no alternatives.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz remains defiant despite low personal approval ratings, as seen in his ARD summer interview. He acknowledges that implementing changes can be unpopular, but is determined to push through with reforms. The latest economic growth figures show a slight upswing, but Scholz faces a dilemma in financing both the existing parental allowance and defence spending.
He plans to make tough decisions, including potentially taking away certain benefits, to keep the economy afloat. Scholz is focused on the overall outcome, saying that results will be judged at the end, not in the short term.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
