Latest news with #ChristianDemocrat
New European
2 days ago
- Business
- New European
Geert Wilders: the fall of an extremist
Wilders has long been at odds with the government that he helped form, after his party, the PVV, won elections in 2023. On several occasions he clashed publicly and spectacularly with Dick Schoof, the non-party-aligned prime minister. And last week he presented the cabinet with a list of demands on asylum that even anti-immigration media outlets thought were unrealistic. The bizarre, 11-month-long sock puppet show that called itself the government of the Netherlands has come to an end, thanks to the puppet master himself. Geert Wilders, the 62-year-old, far-right anti-Islam Dutch leader, has pulled his party out of the ruling coalition, saying he now wants to be prime minister himself. But with elections scheduled for the autumn, he could end up frozen out of power. Schoof, now caretaker prime minister, labelled Wilders's withdrawal from the coalition 'unnecessary and irresponsible' during a debate in parliament on Wednesday. While the outgoing prime minister is unlikely to play a role in the upcoming campaign, his remarks signal a line of attack on Wilders that the other parties have already taken up. This is now the second time that Wilders has brought down a government dominated by the right, the type of government he has always said he wanted for the Netherlands. Former prime minister Mark Rutte called Wilders a 'quitter politician' in 2012, after the far-right frontman withdrew support for the minority government he was leading at the time. In the subsequent elections, the PVV paid a heavy price, and the party was left out in the cold for over a decade. The other parties are bound to highlight Wilders's apparent unreliability to end his dream of leading the country – for good this time. The fractious coalition between the PVV and three more centrist right-wing parties managed to last for almost a year, but the end was never far away. Three of the four parties, the PVV, the farmers' party BBB, and a largely Christian Democrat offshoot, NSC, had no previous government experience, and neither did Schoof. From the start, negotiators were hit by ethics scandals, as were ministerial candidates. Trust and approval ratings among the electorate were low almost from the start. In contrast to some other right-wing European leaders, such as Giorgia Meloni in Italy and lately Bart de Wever in Belgium, the PVV-led coalition was never able to project competence, or stability. Rumours abounded in The Hague about the inefficient and unprofessional ways in which ministers ran their departments. Suggested Reading The right spells trouble for von der Leyen Ferry Biedermann Beside inexperience, the root cause of public disenchantment, and falling PVV polling numbers, might well have been the string of unrealistic promises the party made. In quitting the coalition, Wilders made much of the government's inability to fulfil his election promise of an 'emergency law' to limit asylum seekers. Instead, the government worked on a 'fast-track' law that complied with Dutch and EU rules. On other key issues, such as easing the increasingly onerous nitrogen requirements for Dutch farmers, the coalition saw its approach blocked by the courts that forced it to stick to European targets. On broadly supported socio-economic initiatives, such as free childcare, the coalition ran into logistical and budgetary constraints. In the end, Wilders was unable to make the transition from firebrand opposition leader to responsible statesman. He did, as demanded by his coalition partners, damp down his anti-Islam rhetoric while the PVV was in power. Wilders has been living under police protection and in safe houses since 2004, after receiving death threats following some of his remarks on Islam. Asked during the parliamentary debate on the fall of the coalition whether he would now resume his diatribes against Islam, he said it had not been foremost on his mind. The question is whether Wilders will continue in his more moderate guise, in order to maintain his viability as a future coalition partner. But this seems unlikely and unnecessary. His current coalition partners had no issue doing business with him after the previous campaign, in which he was clear about wanting 'less Islam' in the Netherlands. And voters rewarded him by making the PVV the largest party. Despite the decline in the polls, there is no reason why he shouldn't be able to repeat that feat in the upcoming elections. While many might blame him for bringing down the most right-wing government since the end of the Second World War, his base might applaud him for putting a clearly outmatched team out of its misery. Still, other movements in the polls, particularly the revival of the Christian Democrats, could mean he'll be left without coalition partners. While Wilders could triumph once again, his path to power might well be blocked.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Could the resurgence of Germany's steel industry help to revive its economy?
After US President Donald Trump announced last week that he would double steel and aluminium tariffs from 25 to 50%, the European Commission said it was prepared to impose retaliatory measures. Germany, one of the world's largest export economies — particularly in cars, machinery, electrical goods, and chemical products — could face repercussions if an oversupply leads to falling prices, which may especially impact its struggling steel industry. However, as the car industry turns its attention to rearming in the face of increased geopolitical tensions, the steel industry may be on the verge of a boom, as weapons need steel to exist. Following years of struggle, could the German steel industry be poised to make a comeback? German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has seen the value of its share price surge since the start of the year, after the new German government, led by centre-right Christian Democrat (CDU) Friedrich Merz, promised to unleash billions of euros in extra spending on Germany's defence. Hope is beginning to return to the industry as Germany ramps up defence supply production. German defence policy spokesperson and member of the German parliament, Thomas Erndl, told Euronews that the steel industry is "currently suffering from high energy prices, like much of the economy." He said that Merz's government has taken "action to quickly reduce this burden and support the industry with further market-based instruments. This is not just an economic issue but also a matter of security policy," although he added that subsidies are not currently being considered. According to the new German government coalition agreement, electricity tax will be reduced to the minimum allowed in Europe, slashing grid fees and cutting surcharges. Is lowering energy costs enough to save a dwindling sector? Due to cheap imports from China, exploding energy prices across Europe, and the transition to more climate-friendly hydrogen, the steel industry has been struggling and spluttering for a while. The number of employees within the steel sector in Germany has been declining dramatically for decades. Around 175,000 people were employed in the steel industry in 1990. Today, there are just over 78,000. Tobias Aldenhoff, head of economic and trade policy at the German Steel Association, told Euronews that the steel industry in Germany is currently under massive pressure. He pointed to the transition from fossil fuels to climate-neutral production and said the environment was already challenging to begin with. According to the association, crude steel production has fallen by 12% so far this year, and was hampered by crises last year. The steel industry is also important for the car, mechanical and engineering industries. "If the customer industries are doing better again, this will also have a positive effect on steel demand. The extent to which the steel companies can participate in this depends on the framework conditions," Aldenhoff added. The association said it's really important for the EU to employ "effective means of defending itself against the consequences of price dumping or the steadily increasing international overcapacities, especially in China". The European Commission launched a Steel and Metals Action Plan in March, designed to minimise unfair trade measures imposed on the steel sector by international competitors and review import limits that were set during the last Trump administration, and are due to end in June 2026. Aldenhoff said that "there is an urgent need for a new effective instrument that protects the EU market from being overwhelmed by mass imports. In addition, the existing anti-dumping and anti-subsidy instruments need to be revised." Bad news for the German economy However, German industrial giant Thyssenkrupp is reportedly preparing to sell an additional 30% stake in its steel division to Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský, who already acquired a 20% stake last year. The company is currently being broken up and sold off in parts, with plans to cut 11,000 jobs, according to media reports. The dismantling of the 200-year-old German firm serves as a metaphor for the broader German economy. Poor overseas investments and soaring energy costs have rendered steel production increasingly unprofitable. The industry is also suffering from a global oversupply of steel, primarily from Asia. ThyssenKrupp Steel recently posted a loss of €23 million for the first half of the year. A Rheinmetall spokesperson told Euronews that it welcomes the development of the armoured steel market diversifying, as new suppliers, including from Germany, are producing steel. After ThyssenKrupp stopped producing armoured steel a few years ago, Rheinmetall was mainly dependent on foreign supplies, predominantly from Sweden. Rheinmetall said it has already purchased the initial supplies from domestic sources within Germany. "Rheinmetall's demand for armoured steel amounts to several thousand tonnes per year, with demand doubling in the past two years alone," the spokesperson said, highlighting the price and availability are most important for Rheinmetall customers. Is now the right time for the ThyssenKrupp steel sector to close? The closing of the steel arm of ThyssenKrupp has been on the cards for a long time, although the company will still retain 50% ownership even if Křetínský does buy the other 30%. The possibility of the German government bailing out Thyssenkrupp is also highly unlikely, as they lack the expertise to manage such a company. If the company continues to incur losses, taxpayers would ultimately bear the financial burden. The new race to rearm Germany is not enough to keep a steel plant open. According to experts familiar with the German steel industry, companies currently have little competitive advantage in staying in Germany as the economy is stagnant. Steel has long been a global commodity, and Germany already collaborates with the Czech Republic in the automotive sector. So whilst the sale of Thyssenkrupp's steel division may not spell trouble for the defence industry, it is a significant loss for the German economy. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Euronews
2 days ago
- Business
- Euronews
Could defence demand fuel a German steel revival post-tariffs?
After US President Donald Trump announced last week that he would double steel and aluminium tariffs from 25 to 50%, the European Commission said it was prepared to impose retaliatory measures. Germany, one of the world's largest export economies — particularly in cars, machinery, electrical goods, and chemical products — could face repercussions if an oversupply leads to falling prices, which may especially impact its struggling steel industry. However, as the car industry turns its attention to rearming in the face of increased geopolitical tensions, the steel industry may be on the verge of a boom, as weapons need steel to exist. Following years of struggle, could the German steel industry be poised to make a comeback? German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has seen the value of its share price surge since the start of the year, after the new German government, led by centre-right Christian Democrat (CDU) Friedrich Merz, promised to unleash billions of euros in extra spending on Germany's defence. Hope is beginning to return to the industry as Germany ramps up defence supply production. German defence policy spokesperson and member of the German parliament, Thomas Erndl, told Euronews that the steel industry is "currently suffering from high energy prices, like much of the economy." He said that Merz's government has taken "action to quickly reduce this burden and support the industry with further market-based instruments. This is not just an economic issue but also a matter of security policy," although he added that subsidies are not currently being considered. According to the new German government coalition agreement, electricity tax will be reduced to the minimum allowed in Europe, slashing grid fees and cutting surcharges. Is lowering energy costs enough to save a dwindling sector? Due to cheap imports from China, exploding energy prices across Europe, and the transition to more climate-friendly hydrogen, the steel industry has been struggling and spluttering for a while. The number of employees within the steel sector in Germany has been declining dramatically for decades. Around 175,000 people were employed in the steel industry in 1990. Today, there are just over 78,000. Tobias Aldenhoff, head of economic and trade policy at the German Steel Association, told Euronews that the steel industry in Germany is currently under massive pressure. He pointed to the transition from fossil fuels to climate-neutral production and said the environment was already challenging to begin with. According to the association, crude steel production has fallen by 12% so far this year, and was hampered by crises last year. The steel industry is also important for the car, mechanical and engineering industries. "If the customer industries are doing better again, this will also have a positive effect on steel demand. The extent to which the steel companies can participate in this depends on the framework conditions," Aldenhoff added. The association said it's really important for the EU to employ "effective means of defending itself against the consequences of price dumping or the steadily increasing international overcapacities, especially in China". The European Commission launched a Steel and Metals Action Plan in March, designed to minimise unfair trade measures imposed on the steel sector by international competitors and review import limits that were set during the last Trump administration, and are due to end in June 2026. Aldenhoff said that "there is an urgent need for a new effective instrument that protects the EU market from being overwhelmed by mass imports. In addition, the existing anti-dumping and anti-subsidy instruments need to be revised." Bad news for the German economy However, German industrial giant Thyssenkrupp is reportedly preparing to sell an additional 30% stake in its steel division to Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský, who already acquired a 20% stake last year. The company is currently being broken up and sold off in parts, with plans to cut 11,000 jobs, according to media reports. The dismantling of the 200-year-old German firm serves as a metaphor for the broader German economy. Poor overseas investments and soaring energy costs have rendered steel production increasingly unprofitable. The industry is also suffering from a global oversupply of steel, primarily from Asia. ThyssenKrupp Steel recently posted a loss of €23 million for the first half of the year. A Rheinmetall spokesperson told Euronews that it welcomes the development of the armoured steel market diversifying, as new suppliers, including from Germany, are producing steel. After ThyssenKrupp stopped producing armoured steel a few years ago, Rheinmetall was mainly dependent on foreign supplies, predominantly from Sweden. Rheinmetall said it has already purchased the initial supplies from domestic sources within Germany. "Rheinmetall's demand for armoured steel amounts to several thousand tonnes per year, with demand doubling in the past two years alone," the spokesperson said, highlighting the price and availability are most important for Rheinmetall customers. Is now the right time for the ThyssenKrupp steel sector to close? The closing of the steel arm of ThyssenKrupp has been on the cards for a long time, although the company will still retain 50% ownership even if Křetínský does buy the other 30%. The possibility of the German government bailing out Thyssenkrupp is also highly unlikely, as they lack the expertise to manage such a company. If the company continues to incur losses, taxpayers would ultimately bear the financial burden. The new race to rearm Germany is not enough to keep a steel plant open. According to experts familiar with the German steel industry, companies currently have little competitive advantage in staying in Germany as the economy is stagnant. Steel has long been a global commodity, and Germany already collaborates with the Czech Republic in the automotive sector. So whilst the sale of Thyssenkrupp's steel division may not spell trouble for the defence industry, it is a significant loss for the German economy.
Indian Express
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Friedrich Merz elected German Chancellor on second attempt
Conservative leader Friedrich Merz was elected Germany's new chancellor on Tuesday, but only after a dramatic second-round vote in the Bundestag — a rare and bruising setback that revealed cracks within his newly formed coalition and marked an unprecedented stumble in post-war German politics. Merz initially failed to secure the absolute majority needed in the 630-seat parliament, falling just six votes short during the first secret ballot. It was the first time since 1949 that a chancellor candidate had not won on the first attempt, triggering confusion and speculation about dissent within the ranks of his own Christian Democratic Union (CDU), its Bavarian sister party (CSU), or their centre-left coalition partner, the Social Democrats (SPD). 'No one knows who voted against us,' senior SPD lawmaker Ralf Stegner told the BBC. 'But I can tell you I don't have the slightest impression that our parliamentary group wouldn't have known our responsibility.' After hours of behind-the-scenes negotiations, Bundestag President Julia Klöckner and party leaders agreed to hold a second vote later the same day. Merz secured 325 votes, just nine more than the required majority, narrowly averting what one German news outlet called a 'total debacle.' Christian Democrat General Secretary Carsten Linnemann justified the rushed second vote, telling German TV, 'Europe needs a strong Germany — that's why we can't wait for days.' Parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn urged MPs to rise to the occasion stating that, 'all of Europe, perhaps the whole world, is watching this ballot.' The CDU/CSU and SPD together control 328 seats, yet 18 MPs either abstained, voted against Merz, or were absent during the first vote. Bundestag President Klöckner reported that nine MPs had not attended, three abstained, and one ballot was invalid, suggesting a mix of strategic dissent and potential discontent over cabinet appointments. Gunther Krichbaum, Germany's new Europe Minister, told the BBC the failed first vote might reflect internal frustrations. 'Some MPs may have hoped for a ministerial or state secretary role and had their hopes dashed,' he said. 'Some young Social Democrats also publicly questioned their support for Merz.' Despite these divisions, Merz was sworn in shortly after his narrow victory by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. His 17-member cabinet includes mostly newcomers, many from the private sector. Only Defence Minister Boris Pistorius retained his role from the previous government. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which placed second in the February election with 20.8 per cent, seized on Merz's initial failure. Co-leader Alice Weidel declared on X. 'This vote shows the weak foundation on which the small coalition has been built between the conservatives and SPD — a coalition rejected by voters.' AfD MP Bernd Baumann was even more direct stating, 'The CDU promised to limit migration and then joined forces with the centre left. That doesn't work. That's not how democracy works.' Just a day earlier, Merz had expressed confidence as he signed the coalition agreement. 'It's our historical duty to make this government a success,' he declared, vowing to restore stability after six months of political paralysis. Despite his lack of prior executive experience, the 69-year-old Merz has pledged to strengthen Germany's role on the global stage and revive the struggling economy. 'Germany is back,' he said Monday, emphasising plans to cut corporate taxes, lower energy costs, and increase defence spending. In one of the first congratulatory messages, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope for stronger German leadership in Europe and transatlantic affairs. Merz's narrow victory offers his coalition a lifeline. 'Now we are in the position to create a stable government,' Krichbaum said. 'Germany's big issues — the economy, migration — can't wait.'
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Merz's fumbled chancellor vote is big win for Germany's far right
By Thomas Escritt and Sarah Marsh BERLIN (Reuters) - Friedrich Merz's unprecedented first-round failure in the vote to make him German chancellor on Tuesday gave a boost to the far-right AfD, which just days ago was reeling from being officially labelled an extremist threat to democracy. At least 18 members of the conservative leader's coalition with the centre-left Social Democrats initially chose not to vote for him, highlighting the fragility of a government formed not out of choice or compatibility but out of a consensus decision to shut out the rising Alternative for Germany. The loveless coalition was the only two-party option left after second place in February's election went to the nationalist, anti-immigrant AfD, with whom all other parties refuse to work in an acknowledgment of Germany's traumatic Nazi past. Its shaky confirmation, after a rapidly organised second vote, offers scant reassurance that it will be an improvement on its predecessor, a widely ridiculed and ineffective three-way SPD-Green-liberal rainbow government that lasted only three years. "Merz is the first chancellor candidate to have failed in the first round," said a gleeful AfD leader Alice Weidel, calling for him to step down. "It shows you how weak this coalition of conservatives and the SPD is." Even before Merz took office, conservative ratings have been falling as those of the AfD have risen. The AfD's strength in eastern Germany has already pushed several states there to the brink of ungovernability as other parties refuse to cooperate with it. FAR-RIGHT AFD THRIVES ON INSTABILITY The secrecy of the ballot meant it was not clear which lawmakers had denied Merz their votes. His team had to appeal to the Greens and even the Left party - far-left heirs to former East Germany's communists with whom the conservatives also ordinarily refuse to cooperate - to allow a rapid second vote. But such instability feeds a sense of unjust exclusion among supporters of the AfD, which on Friday was digesting the prospect of funding losses and legal difficulties after security services confirmed its designation as extremist. "Trust in political institutions is being weakened further," said Manfred Guellner, head of pollsters Forsa. "The AfD is the winner from this debacle."The failure was also a personal setback for Merz, who was only elected Christian Democrat leader in 2022 after two unsuccessful bids in 2018 and 2021. A recent poll indicated that a third of his own voters see him as unfit to be chancellor. "For the AfD, this sign of internal instability ... provides further opportunities to portray every other party as part of an establishment cartel that can only be swept aside by the far right," said Alex Clarkson, lecturer at King's College London. "AfD leaders will hope to attract more national conservative-leaning voters frustrated with the compromises the CDU has had to accept." Addressing parliament, AfD leaders appealed to voters already angered by Merz's decision to go back on election promises by agreeing to a trillion-euro debt package, with the Greens' backing, under pressure from the economic and geopolitical instability unleashed by U.S. President Donald Trump. "This government starts in extreme instability and it will remain unstable," said AfD caucus leader Bernd Baumann. (Reporting by Thomas Escritt; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
