Dr. Henning Hoff
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Berlin’s Holiday (from History) Mood
Germany is spending the summer trying to temporarily ignore the situation in Ukraine. That’s likely to backfire. Rather, the German government and the rest of Europe should signal stronger, not weaker, support for Ukraine.
Germany’s Toxic Far Right
Scandals have only dented, but not eroded support for Germany’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland. In September, the party could come close to political power at the regional level. The case for banning it is getting stronger.
From Beijing to Kyiv
With his second visit to Beijing to see Chinese President Xi Jinping, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz set himself up for a failure. In contrast, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, when visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky three days later, had a firmer grasp of realities.
Trouble at the Top
It’s not much of a secret that Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz are very different characters. Their deepening rift is damaging the Franco-German relationship—and Europe.
On the Wrong Track
The German government has straightjacketed itself by a return to the “debt brake,” pursuing a stringent fiscal policy at a time when the country is trying to fight its way of out a recession. Two of three ruling parties think the approach is wrongheaded.
Into the Unknown
2024 will likely test Germany when it comes to its two most important defense and security tasks: helping Ukraine and improving the Bundeswehr.