French President Macron hosts German Chancellor Scholz for a departure dinner in Paris
France's Emmanuel Macron Bids Adieu to Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz
On a windy Wednesday at the Élysée Palace, French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Olaf Scholz for a farewell visit. Macron wanted to celebrate the "four-year collaboration" between him and Scholz, focusing on a stronger, more independent, and sovereign European Union.
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The evening's itinerary included a joint dinner with their wives, a low-key affair without any press conference. In Berlin, Deputy Government Spokesperson Christiane Hoffmann hinted at the close relationship between the two leaders and the special importance of the Franco-German camaraderie.
As Scholz's successor, Friedrich Merz (CDU), is set to be sworn in next Tuesday, the SPD as a junior partner. The German-French relationship during Scholz's tenure was a rollercoaster ride, marked by tensions arising from disagreements within the traffic light government and the contrasting personalities of Macron and Scholz. Despite the ups and downs, Merz had met with Macron several times in preceding months. The new chapter of the German-French bond is likely to be declared on Wednesday during their first meeting in Paris.
Last Gathering of Olaf Scholz's Cabinet
The acting Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz's cabinet convened one last time in Berlin for their 131st meeting after three and a half years. On Tuesday, Frederick Merz will be inaugurated as the new Federal Chancellor in the Bundestag. The day before, Scholz will be bid farewell at a military honors ceremony.
Usually, Wednesday cabinet meetings take place at the Federal Chancellery, where the Chancellor, ministers, and their associates discuss and vote on joint legislative proposals or decrees that are to be deliberated in the Bundestag and Bundesrat. On this occasion, the agenda was manageable, with the red-green minority government deciding on the pension increase of 3.74% from July 1st.
Handshakes, Hugs, "Hamburg-like Matter-of-Factness"
A dpa reporter described the scene in the cabinet room with handshakes and some embraces but no emotional farewell atmosphere. The brief initial coverage allowed press to capture the moments. Scholz appeared cheerful and relaxed, as explained by Government Spokesman Steffen Hebestreit later. Hebestreit used the term "Hamburg-like matter-of-factness" to describe Scholz's demeanor, a subtle nod to Scholz's roots in Hamburg. Hebestreit also mentioned a farewell dinner for the cabinet scheduled for March 25, the day the newly elected Bundestag assembles for the first time.
No Farewell Gifts, No Tears
The meeting lasted about 15 to 20 minutes. Scholz offered kind remarks for the ministers and Chancellery staff. There were no parting gifts or tears, as reported by the government spokesman. Contrasting Angela Merkel's emotional farewell in November 2021, which was filled with flowers and a "carpe diem" sapling, Scholz's departure was more subdued. Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck couldn't attend due to illness.
SPD Ministers Remaining in the Cabinet
One SPD minister is certain to join the new government - Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who has been the most popular politician in Germany for many months. Finance Minister Joerg Kukies will be replaced by SPD chief Lars Klingbeil. Labor Minister Hubertus Heil is tipped to become the new SPD faction leader. Housing Minister Klara Geywitz, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, and Development Minister Svenja Schulze could potentially continue in the cabinet.
However, all Green ministers must step down. The fate of Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck remains unclear, as he may not even remain in the Bundestag. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock plans to move to New York to become President of the UN General Assembly, a controversial move requiring Helga Schmid, a top diplomat and former OSCE Secretary General, to resign. Agriculture and Transition Minister Cem Oezdemir intends to run for head of government in Baden-Württemberg, where elections will take place next year.
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