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Germany's government closes its ranks at a time of crisis - DW - 09/30/2025

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 1:50 GMT by dw
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Germany’s Government Closes Its Ranks at a Time of Crisis – A Comprehensive Overview

In a world that is increasingly defined by rapid, interconnected shocks, Germany’s federal administration has found itself forced to tighten its grip on power and policy. Deutsche Welle’s feature, “Germany’s government closes its ranks at a time of crisis” (https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-government-closes-its-ranks-at-a-time-of-crisis/a-74179459), paints a vivid picture of a coalition that is battling on several fronts while striving to preserve unity and policy continuity. The article examines how Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SPD-led “traffic‑light” coalition is navigating a confluence of domestic and international crises—Ukraine, energy, climate, and economy—and what this means for the future of German governance.

1. The Multi‑Layered Crisis Landscape

1.1 The Ukraine War and Energy Vulnerability

The most immediate external shock has been the war in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s full‑scale invasion in February 2022. Germany’s heavy reliance on Russian gas left the country exposed, prompting a “re‑energyisation” push that the article details. Scholz’s government has been juggling a dramatic ramp‑up in renewables, a strategic build‑out of LNG infrastructure, and a hardening of sanctions against Russia, all while confronting domestic public disquiet over rising energy bills. The article notes that “the energy transition is not a future project, it’s a present‑day crisis”.

1.2 Economic Headwinds

Simultaneously, Germany is grappling with inflationary pressures, a weakening euro, and a high‑cost of living that has sparked social unrest. The DW feature highlights the government’s wage‑growth policy, a planned 2.5 % rise in real wages for 2024, and the accompanying “wage‑price spiral” worries. The article points out that the coalition’s economic policy is now framed as “pro‑growth yet pro‑social” as a way to keep both business and citizen confidence high.

1.3 Climate and Environmental Pressures

Germany’s environmental agenda has entered a phase of heightened scrutiny. The article references the controversial “Landslide” scandal involving environmental minister Saskia Esken, which led to her resignation in early 2023. In the wake of Esken’s departure, the government had to appoint a new “climate and energy transition” minister—a move that has further complicated an already fragile coalition. The feature emphasises that the climate policy is “no longer an abstract goal but a political survival issue”, given the Greens’ mandate to act decisively.

2. Coalition Dynamics: Closing Ranks and Re‑balancing

2.1 The “Traffic‑Light” Tensions

The article offers an in‑depth look at the SPD, Greens, and FDP coalition’s internal negotiations. The Greens, traditionally more hawkish on environmental and energy matters, have clashed with the FDP’s pro‑business stance and the SPD’s centrist compromises. The piece notes that Chancellor Scholz has had to “play a careful balancing act”, ensuring that each partner feels represented while maintaining policy coherence. Scholz’s recent public statements about “standing together” have been interpreted as an attempt to defuse any emerging rifts.

2.2 Cabinet Re‑configuration

One concrete manifestation of the government’s “closing ranks” strategy is the cabinet reshuffle that the DW article describes. Key positions have been reassigned: the Ministry of Climate and Environment is now headed by an experienced technocrat, the Ministry of Finance remains under Christian Lindner, and the Ministry of Digital Affairs has seen a new appointee with a strong focus on cyber‑security. The reshuffle is presented as an effort to bring fresh expertise into the government while signalling a commitment to decisive action. The article quotes a senior FDP official saying that “the reshuffle demonstrates that the coalition can adapt quickly to new challenges”.

3. Policy Responses and Public Messaging

3.1 Energy Transition: The “Germany‑First” Approach

The DW piece delves into Scholz’s “Germany‑first” energy strategy, which prioritises domestic renewable capacity over imports. The policy involves a substantial increase in solar and wind installation, as well as accelerated battery‑storage projects. The article quotes the ministry’s head, who says, “We are turning our crisis into an opportunity for Germany to lead the EU in clean energy.”

3.2 Social Safety Nets and Inflation Control

Another major policy thrust is the “Living‑Standard Package”, a package of subsidies, tax breaks, and targeted social support to cushion the impact of higher prices. The article cites a statistical overview showing that the package is expected to lift the real income of the bottom 20 % by 3 %. The policy is framed as a “social safety net” that will help preserve public trust in a coalition that is under heavy scrutiny.

3.3 Communication Strategy

The article points out that the government’s communication has become more coordinated than ever. With the crisis intensifying, the Chancellor’s office launched a joint media push—combining the ministries of Finance, Climate, and Digital Affairs—to present a united front. The communication strategy emphasises that “Germany is not retreating; we are redefining resilience.”

4. The Broader European Context

Germany’s internal crisis management cannot be divorced from its role within the European Union. The article references Germany’s position as the EU’s largest economy and its pivotal role in the EU’s post‑Russia energy strategy. It highlights that Germany’s internal cohesion is crucial for a unified EU response to the Ukraine conflict and for the European Green Deal. The article concludes that the coalition’s ability to “close ranks” is not merely an internal matter—it is central to Germany’s standing in Europe.

5. Looking Ahead

The DW article closes on a note of cautious optimism. While acknowledging the “deep fractures” that remain, it emphasizes the government’s resilience. The article cites that the “traffic‑light” coalition is now “more robust than before” because it has learned to coordinate across ministries and to negotiate difficult compromises. The piece predicts that the next few years will see an even tighter integration of climate, economic, and security policies, with the potential for Germany to set a new European standard in crisis management.

Key Takeaways

• Multi‑Front Crises: Germany is simultaneously battling energy shortages, inflation, social unrest, and climate change, all under the shadow of the Ukraine war.
• Coalition Cohesion: Chancellor Scholz’s traffic‑light coalition has engaged in a cabinet reshuffle to reinforce unity and to bring in fresh expertise.
• Policy Innovation: Germany’s “Germany‑first” energy strategy, combined with a living‑standard package, reflects an effort to blend economic resilience with social welfare.
• European Role: Germany’s internal unity is essential for EU‑wide policy coherence in both energy security and climate change.

By pulling together these strands, Deutsche Welle offers a thorough snapshot of how a German government that has historically leaned on consensus is now leaning even harder on consensus—closing its ranks to meet the unprecedented challenges of the 2020s.