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Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, together with Karl Lauterbach, Annalena Baerbock, Christian Lindner, Nancy Faeser and Robert Habeck on the fringes of the Federal Cabinet's retreat in front of Meseberg Castle
Photo: Kay Nietfeld / dpa
The harmonious initial phase of the traffic light seems to be over, but the coalition wants to change that – behind closed doors at the joint retreat at Schloss Meseberg.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) made it clear that he wanted to draw a line under the quarrels in the traffic light coalition during the exam.
It should be ensured there "that we as the federal government work together closely and closely," said the Chancellor.
»It will be a closed conference where there is a good mood and the willingness to work closely together in a serious situation for the good of the country.«
The dominant topic on the first day of the conference: the war in Ukraine and its consequences for domestic and foreign policy.
For example, the federal government has decided to redefine the basic principles of its security policy in a national security strategy.
The Russian war of aggression in Ukraine has "serious effects on the way we have to think about our national security," said Scholz.
The concept should include all facets of the security concept, for example the supply of energy and raw materials, the preservation of the social market economy or strong education and research.
Defense Minister sees little scope for Bundeswehr deliveries
It is the first time that a federal government has created a comprehensive national security strategy.
It was planned before the war in Ukraine, which brought about an about-face in German foreign and security policy.
Now the Bundeswehr is to be massively upgraded.
At the moment, there are hardly any opportunities to send weapons from Bundeswehr stocks to Ukraine to defend against Russia, said Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht (SPD): "I have to admit as Defense Minister (...) we are reaching the limits of what we can give from the Bundeswehr.« The Bundeswehr must be able to guarantee the defense of the country and the alliance.
As Minister of Defense, she will ensure that this continues to be the case, she stressed.
She was "very optimistic" that there could be a ring exchange with Greece in support of Ukraine in the near future.
She offered Poland further talks about it.
The idea of ring exchange came up shortly after the start of the Ukraine war.
The aim is to supply Ukraine with heavy weapons as quickly as possible.
Since the Ukrainian Armed Forces do not require additional training for Soviet systems, such weapons were swiftly delivered to Ukraine from Eastern European countries.
For this, they should now be supplied with western brands.
The war in Russia also influences domestic political developments in Germany - especially the energy supply.
According to the Chancellor, Germany is apparently prepared for the winter.
One could say “with all due caution” that “we have probably got what is necessary on track and can continue to do so in order to get through this winter and next winter,” said Scholz.
For example, the gas storage tanks are much better filled than expected some time ago.
The next question is how to prevent excessive pricing in the energy market.
The pricing on the electricity exchanges, for example, is not justified.
Habeck wants to improve the gas allocation
One of the major points of contention within the coalition in recent days has been the gas levy.
Vice-Chancellor and Economics Minister Robert Habeck has now reacted to the sometimes severe criticism of the concept he has designed and has set out conditions under which energy companies can claim the additional income.
You have to "push the free riders off the footboard," he said before the exam began.
In his view, there are a few things that can be done to prevent profitable companies from receiving the levy.
However, the gas surcharge is not a mistake, but a necessary means of distributing the high prices as fairly as possible across Germany.
Among other things, only companies that are relevant to the gas supply in Germany should be supported.
In addition, their gas business must have a relevant size in operation.
According to Habeck, anyone who wants to benefit from the levy must disclose their books.
That alone could be enough "to weed out these companies."
The levy is important for security of supply in Germany, said Habeck after the cabinet meeting.
Excluding companies that are making profits is not that easy - "when you delve deeper, an enormous number of questions arise" and, in case of doubt, the regulations would also have to withstand lawsuits.
Proposals for third relief package coming "very soon"
Against the background of high energy prices, Scholz again promised to present proposals for relief for citizens and companies "very soon".
There are very constructive and confidential discussions in the federal government.
It is important to do this “very seriously, very intensively and very confidentially” in order to get results more efficiently and quickly.
The federal government is also trying to counteract the shortage of skilled workers in a timely manner.
At least Federal Labor Minister Hubertus Heil announced a package of measures.
Decisions will be made on this in the fall, said the SPD politician and announced a “comprehensive specialist strategy”.
Further training should be further developed and "additional immigration of skilled workers" should be provided for "with a modern immigration law," says Heil.
The subject of training will be tackled with a training guarantee.
On Wednesday, the federal government will conclude its cabinet retreat at Meseberg Castle.
At a cabinet meeting, the digital strategy of the federal government and the arms export report 2021 are to be decided, among other things.
tfb/dpa/AFP/Reuters
