The Chancellor's communication has lately been the subject of a great deal of criticism. Olaf Scholz is now attempting to bring clarity to his television remarks.
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| German Chancellor Olaf Scholz |
Olaf Scholz aims to be as straightforward as possible in his communication. Germany's foreign policy in the Ukraine conflict, according to the Chancellor, is guided by four principles. First and foremost, there will be no German solo attempts. Second, Germany must always guarantee that it retains the capacity to defend itself against external threats. Third, "We are not taking any actions that would be detrimental to us or our partners more than Russia." And, last, refrain from doing anything that may enable NATO to become a war party. "It's going to remain that way," Scholz adds. Throughout the book, there is an exclamation point.
Scholz's television address, which will be televised on Sunday evening, will be organized around these four ideas. Scholz has addressed the public in this manner for the first time since February 24, the first day of Russia's invasion on Ukraine, when he addressed the nation.
The anniversary of the conclusion of World War II on May 8, 1945, is the current event to commemorate. Scholz describes it as "difficult to observe how brutal force is once again breaching the law in the center of Europe, 77 years after the conclusion of the Second World War." The 8th of May is unlike any other day in recent memory. "It's for this reason that I've come to you today."
However, in addition to the fact that it is a special occasion, there is also a purpose for this speech, which delivers nothing in the way of fresh substance. Scholz wants to see the end of the deficit. He has finally decided that he wants to properly explain himself and his plan of action. Because even those closest to the chancellor are aware that his inability to communicate effectively is becoming an increasing source of concern for the federal administration.
One of the most obvious instances of this was his press statement, which was issued on short notice in the middle of April. Speculation was high after the earlier debate over the sale of heavy weaponry to Ukraine, which raised the stakes. Will the chancellor proclaim a reversal of the course of events? Scholz's comment, on the other hand, is so ambiguous that even local media are first perplexed as to what he was trying to convey. It was only a short time later that it was revealed that the Federal Republic of Germany was already organizing a ring exchange in which Slovenia was to provide the Ukraine with Soviet-made tanks in return for Germany providing replacements.
Scholz's message continued to be ambiguous even after this point. In an interview with the German newspaper "Spiegel," the chancellor maintained his aversion to nuclear weapons while also warning of nuclear war. In his words, "I'm doing all I can to avert an escalation that may lead to a third world war." The turning moment occurred a few days later, when it was revealed that Germany was suddenly delivering heavy armaments on its own, such as Cheetah anti-aircraft tanks sourced from surplus industrial stockpiles.
Scholz is seen as someone who takes his time to consider his options before making a choice. However, in contrast to his cabinet colleague Robert Habeck, he does not make the discussion process available to the public. Scholz's behaviors then look incongruous to those who are not involved in them.
As a result, there is no doubt at the Chancellery that Olaf Scholz must improve the way he explains his judgments. Attempts have already been made in the last several days, according to reports. So he appeared on ZDF's "What Now?" program last week. "My plan of action is that we proceed with caution and clarity," he adds at that point. The government does not make a choice in the manner of the public relations department - "still anything on it or never anything."
Scholz's performance on May 1 in Düsseldorf was also a source of pride for members of the SPD. On Scholz's behalf, there were "warmonger" accusations leveled. Those opposing the demonstration requested that "peace be achieved without the use of firearms." "It must be cynical to a resident of Ukraine to be encouraged to defend oneself against Putin's unarmed attack," Scholz said, addressing the crowd.
The TV speech should basically explain his actions
However, the television address should be longer, and it should now describe his actions in more detail. "The disastrous history of our nation between 1933 and 1945 taught us a valuable lesson," says the author. "The message is, 'Never again!'" says Scholz. "Never again will there be a war. Never again will genocide be tolerated. "There will be no more tyranny." The only thing that can be said in the present circumstances is: "We fight justice and freedom — on the side of those who are being assaulted." The United States stands with Ukraine in its struggle against the invader." If you don't do that, you are essentially caving in to "outright violence."
Germany, according to Scholz, has taken "tough and far-reaching choices" in the last few weeks. Scholz outlines the economic penalties imposed on Russia as well as the entry of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees. "We have also deployed weaponry to a combat zone on a huge scale for the first time in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany, and we have done it with great care, always taking into consideration the weight of the heavy equipment. "We shall continue in this manner."
In his address, the chancellor expresses a desire to bring people who are worried about an escalation of the conflict together with him as well. There was a commotion last week over an open letter written by feminist Alice Schwarzer and other intellectuals, who warned of the supply of heavy weapons and the possibility of a third global war. In addition to receiving negative feedback on the letter's substance, the letter's authors were subjected to a tsunami of vitriol. Experts have expressed concern about the possibility of polarization in the discourse.
In the meanwhile, Scholz expresses grave worry over "a number of remarks I've heard in recent days." "There is also concern that the conflict may expand and that peace may be jeopardized in this area." It is important not to reject such concerns out of hand. They should be given the opportunity to express themselves. "At the same time, we must not allow fear to immobilize us," the Chancellor stated. A great deal is being done to assist Ukraine. It's not enough to simply accomplish all that is necessary. "I vowed in my oath of office to protect the German people from danger," the president said.
It is a discourse with concise and straightforward phrases. The following several weeks will demonstrate whether or not it is appropriate for releasing Scholz's message. For the first time in recent memory, the majority of the populace did not see him as a strong leader.
Source: Tagesspiege