A government cannot take a break from the perils of the world, and so the new traffic light coalition is not granted a grace period.
This is ensured by the small and large authoritarian regimes and dictatorships.
Should Germany send official representatives to the Olympic Games in China?
Does Berlin recognize what the Kremlin leadership is, a blackmail regime?
How does the Scholz government intend to maintain cohesion in the EU?
These questions require answers from the start that have both realities and German interests in mind.
China on a campaign of revenge
It goes without saying that even in the post-Merkel era the focus of foreign policy in the broadest sense was on “Europe”. The fact that there are stronger and forward-looking initiatives, preferably with France, but not only with France, would be very welcome. The new Foreign Minister Baerbock's first trips are to Paris, Brussels and Warsaw. The messages - commitment to democracy and the rule of law, for “strategic sovereignty, cohesion and partnership - fall on different fertile ground. It is as clear as it is not new that there are differences. Perhaps even more important than saying these points is the promise that the partners can also rely on the new government. This must not only be said, but must also applywhen domestic political forces push in other directions, whether in foreign trade or defense policy.
If Germany’s main interest is a strong Europe, as Baerbock says, then as the strongest country it has to “invest” accordingly.
At the moment, China is campaigning for revenge against EU member Lithuania for its stance on Taiwan.
A strong Europe can neither be divided nor forced into a role of submission.
It has to fight back.
The aim of the new federal government must be to strengthen the ability of European democracies to defend themselves.