After a year in the traffic light coalition, Chancellor Olaf Scholz drew a positive balance of government work - which, however, was overshadowed by the Ukraine war. "Of course, this year was first and foremost shaped by Russia's brutal war against Ukraine," emphasized the SPD politician in his weekly video message "Kanzler compact". "Every day we see the destruction. Every day we follow how many people fall victim to Russian bombs. And that's why it was right that we support Ukraine, financially, humanitarianly and also with weapons."

At the same time, the government stuck to its task of “strengthening cohesion”, said Scholz. These include the higher minimum wage, higher child benefits and extended housing benefits. Another goal was "that Germany can operate in a climate-neutral manner". Therefore, a number of laws have been passed to promote renewable energies. At the same time, in order to mitigate the consequences of the war on the gas supply, liquid gas terminals were built on the coasts and the gas storage tanks were filled.

"Good basis" for the future

The government has launched relief packages with a volume of almost 100 billion euros, emphasized Scholz. "And we have mobilized 200 billion euros to ensure that electricity prices, gas prices and district heating prices don't go through the roof this year, next year and the year after that." Overall, this is a "good basis" for the future.

The government made up of the SPD, Greens and FDP started its work almost a year ago under the motto "dare more progress". Scholz took his oath of office as Federal Chancellor on December 8th. After the initial enthusiasm, there was a crunch between the three parties - above all from the FDP, after their poor performance in state elections, critical voices came to cooperation. In order to settle the dispute over the continued operation of the remaining nuclear power plants, Scholz officially made use of his directive authority as chancellor.

Chancellor compact