Need for reform: coalition agreement under pressure due to crisis and war!

Need for reform: coalition agreement under pressure due to crisis and war!

The head of the German Chancellery has recently emphasized that a coalition must have the ability to flexibly face new challenges. This is particularly true in view of the current difficult economic situation, which was described by Peter Leibinger, President of the Federation of German Industries. He warned of the “free fall” of the German economy and described the situation as the “most serious crisis in the history of the Federal Republic” (see kleinezeitung.at).

The former traffic light government under Chancellor Olaf Scholz stuck to its coalition agreement despite the Russian attack on Ukraine. However, this consistency contrasts with the new challenges that have emerged in the wake of the conflict and the economic situation. Frei demands that we must learn from the current situation in order to be able to act more flexibly.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine

The Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022 and is a central part of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. This conflict has not only military, but also significant economic and humanitarian impacts on Europe and the world (see Wikipedia). Russia, supported by North Korea, Belarus and Iran, is attacking Ukraine, which in turn is supported by the European Union, NATO and other international partners.

The economic impact of the war is enormous. Both Ukraine and Russia are suffering heavy losses and the economic situation is tense for many countries. The EU and other parts of the world have seen food and energy prices rise, while countries such as Germany have had to adapt their economic policies to meet the challenges.

International reactions and bilateral relations

The international community's reaction to the attack was prompt and clear. The EU, G7 and numerous other partner countries imposed massive sanctions against Russia. These sanctions, which include far-reaching financial sanctions and strict export controls, aim to significantly damage Russia's economy and access to cutting-edge technologies (see auswaertiges-amt.de).

At the diplomatic level, German-Russian relations have changed fundamentally since the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Cooperation with Russian state authorities has been discontinued, while exchanges with independent Russian civil society in exile continue. Germany attaches great importance to emphasizing historical remembrance and responsibility towards the victims of the Second World War and the Soviet victims.

Given this complex situation, it is essential for Germany and the EU to continue to act flexibly and, if necessary, make adjustments to existing coalition agreements in order to be able to meet the constantly changing challenges.