As Chancellor Olaf Scholz prepares to leave office after 1,245 days, Manuela Schwesig (SPD) has publicly commended his leadership during a speech in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Scholz’s tenure, marked by crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war, saw significant reforms but also coalition instability leading to an early transition of power to Friedrich Merz (CDU) on May 6, 2025. This article examines Schwesig’s tribute, Scholz’s policy achievements, and the political context of his departure.
Schwesig’s Tribute to Scholz’s Leadership
Schwesig praised Scholz’s crisis management as “steadfast and pragmatic,” highlighting his handling of the pandemic, Ukraine war, and inflation. She specifically noted the introduction of a €12 minimum wage and pension reforms as key social achievements. However, she acknowledged that coalition infighting, particularly with the FDP and Greens, limited further progress. Schwesig framed Scholz’s legacy as foundational for the SPD’s future revival, despite the party’s historic low of 16.4% in the 2025 federal elections.
Key Policies and Controversies
Scholz’s government implemented several landmark policies, including the “Bazooka” COVID-19 relief packages, which the Bundesbank credited with saving 2.3 million jobs. His administration also achieved 65% renewable electricity by 2025, though it missed its 2030 coal phase-out target. On foreign policy, Scholz pledged €22.8 billion in military aid to Ukraine but faced criticism for delays in Taurus missile deliveries. Controversies such as the reopened Cum-Ex investigation and the G20 Hamburg police inquiry shadowed his tenure, though neither directly implicated him.
Coalition Collapse and Early Transition
The collapse of Scholz’s coalition in late 2024 precipitated his early departure. Tensions escalated when Scholz dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) after budget disputes, and the Greens later rejected migration limits, triggering a no-confidence vote. The subsequent snap elections saw Merz’s CDU win 31.2% of the vote, ending the SPD’s governing role. Scholz’s final days included symbolic gestures, such as selecting the Beatles’ *In My Life* for his Großer Zapfenstreich ceremony, reflecting on his tenure.
International Reactions and Scholz’s Future
International leaders offered mixed assessments of Scholz’s chancellorship. U.S. Senator Chris Coons praised his transatlantic diplomacy but critiqued slow defense support for Ukraine. French President Macron lauded Scholz’s EU fiscal reforms but lamented stalled Franco-German projects. Scholz, who retains his Bundestag seat, has announced plans to write a memoir, signaling a continued role in public discourse.
Conclusion
Scholz’s chancellorship was defined by crisis management and incremental reforms, though political fragmentation ultimately cut his term short. Schwesig’s tribute underscores the SPD’s effort to reclaim its narrative amid declining popularity. As Merz assumes office, Scholz’s legacy will likely be debated in the context of Germany’s evolving political and economic challenges.
References
- “Schwesig Honors Scholz’s Chancellorship Amid Early Departure,” Süddeutsche Zeitung, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://sueddeutsche.de.
- “Scholz’s Final Days as Chancellor,” STERN, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://stern.de.
- “Coalition Collapse and Snap Elections,” Borkener Zeitung, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://borkenerzeitung.de.
- “International Reactions to Scholz’s Tenure,” Politico EU, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://politico.eu.
- “SPD’s Post-Election Strategy,” SPD.de, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://spd.de/aktuelles/regierungsteam.
