24. February 2025

"I believe Friedrich Merz is capable of strong chancellorship." Interview with Prof. Volker Kronenberg "I believe Friedrich Merz is capable of strong chancellorship." Interview with Prof. Volker Kronenberg

The recent election results in Germany have led to a dramatic upheaval on the political stage: The Union wins the election and emerges as the strongest party, while the SPD has to endure an unprecedented decline. The AfD was also able to build on its success and is now the second-strongest force in the Bundestag. In an interview with Bonn political scientist Volker Kronenberg, Bernd Eyermann highlights the significance and background of this election result, as well as its impact on the future political landscape.

"ICH TRAUE FRIEDRICH MERZ EINE STARKE KANZLERSCHAFT ZU" INTERVIEW MIT PROF. VOLKER KRONENBERG
"ICH TRAUE FRIEDRICH MERZ EINE STARKE KANZLERSCHAFT ZU" INTERVIEW MIT PROF. VOLKER KRONENBERG © General Anzeiger
Download all images in original size The impression in connection with the service is free, while the image specified author is mentioned.
Please fill out this field using the example format provided in the placeholder.
The phone number will be handled in accordance with GDPR.

In the conversation, Volker Kronenberg analyzes the significance of the election result and the political situation in Germany. He explains that while the Union has emerged as the clear winner, it faces the challenge of implementing its promises of a change in politics – particularly in a coalition with parts of the old government. Kronenberg sees the demand for a political change, both at the national and international levels, as clearly recognizable, but he warns of the difficulties in fulfilling these expectations.

Regarding the SPD's problems, Kronenberg explains that the party has failed due to external and internal conflicts, as well as an inadequate response to the most pressing issues, such as migration. The leadership of Olaf Scholz is also critically questioned: He has never been the charismatic figure who gained the trust of the public. Furthermore, Kronenberg criticizes that although the election campaign was conducted traditionally, it lacked forward-thinking ideas and concrete answers to the pressing issues of the time.

Finally, Kronenberg addresses the surprising election result of the AfD. He sees the party’s rise as a wake-up call for established politics, especially regarding migration policy. In a concluding outlook on government formation, Kronenberg appears pessimistic about the speed of forming a new coalition and points out the complex negotiations ahead.

Wird geladen