View source for Olaf Scholz

{{Short description|Chancellor of Germany from 2021 to 2025}}
{{Redirect|Scholz}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Use Oxford spelling|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix    = 
| name                = Olaf Scholz
| honorific-suffix    = [[Member of the German Bundestag|MdB]]
| image               = Olaf Scholz September 2024.jpg <!--DO NOT CHANGE this portrait. instead seek prior consensus in the talk first. -->
| caption             = Scholz in 2024
| order               = 
| office              = [[Chancellor of Germany]]
| president           = [[Frank-Walter Steinmeier]]
| 1blankname          = {{nowrap|[[Vice-Chancellor of Germany|Vice Chancellor]]}}
| 1namedata           = [[Robert Habeck]]
| term_start          = 8 December 2021
| term_end            = 6 May 2025
| predecessor         = [[Angela Merkel]]
| successor           = [[Friedrich Merz]]
| office1             = [[Vice Chancellor of Germany]]
| chancellor1         = Angela Merkel
| term_start1         = 14 March 2018
| term_end1           = 8 December 2021
| predecessor1        = [[Sigmar Gabriel]]
| successor1          = Robert Habeck
| office2             = [[Federal Ministry of Finance (Germany)|Minister of Finance]]
| chancellor2         = Angela Merkel
| term_start2         = 14 March 2018
| term_end2           = 8 December 2021
| predecessor2        = [[Peter Altmaier]] (acting)
| successor2          = [[Christian Lindner]]
| office3             = [[List of mayors of Hamburg|First Mayor]] of [[Hamburg]]
| 1blankname3         = {{nowrap|[[List of mayors of Hamburg|Second Mayor]]}}
| 1namedata3          = [[Dorothee Stapelfeldt]]<br />[[Katharina Fegebank]]
| term_start3         = 7 March 2011
| term_end3           = 13 March 2018
| predecessor3        = [[Christoph Ahlhaus]]
| successor3          = [[Peter Tschentscher]]
{{Collapsed infobox section begin |last=yes |Parliamentary constituencies
 |titlestyle=border:1px dashed lightgrey;}}{{Infobox officeholder |embed=yes
| office9             = [[Member of the German Bundestag|Member]] of the [[Bundestag]] <br /> for [[Potsdam – Potsdam-Mittelmark II – Teltow-Fläming II]]
| term_start9         = [[2021 German federal election|26 October 2021]]
| term_end9           =
| predecessor9        = Manja Schüle (2019)
| successor9          =
| office10            = [[German Bundesrat#Today|Member]] of the [[German Bundesrat|Bundesrat]] <br /> for [[Hamburg]]
| term_start10        = 7 March 2011
| term_end10          = 13 March 2018
| predecessor10       = [[Christoph Ahlhaus]]
| successor10         = [[Peter Tschentscher]]
| office11            = Member of the<br />[[Hamburg Parliament]]
| term_start11        = [[2015 Hamburg state election|2 March 2015]]
| term_end11          = 2 March 2015
| predecessor11       = ''Himself''
| successor11         =
| 2blankname11        = Electoral list
| 2namedata11         = [[Electoral system of Germany|Social Democratic Party]]
| term_start12        = [[2011 Hamburg state election|7 March 2011]]
| term_end12          = 11 March 2011
| predecessor12       = Multi-member district
| successor12         = Andrea Rugbarth
| 3blankname12        = Electoral list
| 3namedata12         = Social Democratic Party
| office13            = [[Member of the German Bundestag|Member]] of the [[Bundestag]] <br /> for [[Hamburg-Altona (electoral district)|Hamburg-Altona]]
| term_start13        = [[2002 German federal election|17 October 2002]]
| term_end13          = 11 March 2011
| predecessor13       = ''Himself'' (2001)
| successor13         = Ingo Egloff
| term_start14        = [[1998 German federal election|26 October 1998]]
| term_end14          = 6 June 2001
| successor14         = ''Himself'' (2002)
| predecessor14       = Marliese Dobberthien
| office15            = [[German Bundesrat#Today|Deputy Member]] of the [[German Bundesrat|Bundesrat]] <br /> for [[Hamburg]]
| appointer15         = [[Ortwin Runde]]
| term_start15        = 30 May 2001
| term_end15          = 31 October 2001
| predecessor15       = Hartmuth Wrocklage
| successor15         = Multi-member district
{{Collapsed infobox section end}}}}
{{Collapsed infobox section begin |last=yes |Early political career {{nobold|2001–{{wj}}2011}}
 |titlestyle=border:1px dashed lightgrey;}}{{Infobox officeholder |embed=yes
| office4             = Deputy Leader of the [[Social Democratic Party of Germany|Social Democratic Party]] in the [[Bundestag]]
| alongside4          = {{nowrap|Joachim Poß}}, {{nowrap|Angelica Schwall-Düren}}, {{nowrap|Elke Ferner}}, {{nowrap|[[Ulrich Kelber]]}}, {{nowrap|[[Gernot Erler]]}}, {{nowrap|[[Florian Pronold]]}}, {{nowrap|[[Dagmar Ziegler]]}}, {{nowrap|[[Hubertus Heil]]}}, {{nowrap|[[Axel Schäfer]]}}
| term_start4         = 27 October 2009
| term_end4           = 11 March 2011
| leader4             = Frank-Walter Steinmeier
| predecessor4        = [[Ludwig Stiegler]]<br />[[Walter Kolbow]]<br />[[Fritz Rudolf Körper]]<br />Klaas Hübner<br />Christel Humme
| successor4          = [[Christine Lambrecht]]
| office5             = [[Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs|Minister for Labour and Social Affairs]]
| chancellor5         = Angela Merkel
| term_start5         = 21 November 2007
| term_end5           = 27 October 2009
| predecessor5        = [[Franz Müntefering]]
| successor5          = [[Franz Josef Jung]]
| office6             = [[Whip (politics)|Chief Whip]] of the [[Social Democratic Party of Germany|Social Democratic Party]] in the [[Bundestag]]
| leader6             = [[Peter Struck (politician)|Peter Struck]]
| term_start6         = 13 October 2005
| term_end6           = 21 November 2007
| predecessor6        = Wilhelm Schmidt
| successor6          = [[Thomas Oppermann]]
| office7             = General Secretary of the<br />[[Social Democratic Party of Germany|Social Democratic Party]]
| leader7             = [[Gerhard Schröder]]
| term_start7         = 20 October 2002
| term_end7           = 21 March 2004
| predecessor7        = Franz Müntefering
| successor7          = [[Klaus Uwe Benneter]]
| office8             = [[Government of Hamburg#Executive|Senator for the Interior of Hamburg]]
| 1blankname8         = {{nowrap|[[List of mayors of Hamburg|First Mayor]]}}
| 1namedata8          = [[Ortwin Runde]]
| term_start8         = 30 May 2001
| term_end8           = 31 October 2001
| predecessor8        = Hartmuth Wrocklage
| successor8          = [[Ronald Schill]]
{{Collapsed infobox section end}}}}
| birth_name          = 
| birth_date          = {{birth date and age|1958|06|14|df=yes}}
| birth_place         = [[Osnabrück]], [[West Germany]]
| death_date          = 
| residence           = 
| death_place         = 
| party               = [[Social Democratic Party of Germany|Social Democratic]]<br>(since 1975)
| alma_mater          = [[University of Hamburg]]
| spouse              = {{plainlist|
* {{marriage|[[Britta Ernst]]|1998}}
}}
| website             = {{Official URL}}
| signature           = Olaf Scholz Signature.svg
}}
'''Olaf Scholz'''{{efn|{{IPA|de|ˈoːlaf ˈʃɔlts|lang|De-Olaf Scholz.ogg}}}} (born 14 June 1958) is a German politician who served as the [[Chancellor of Germany]] from 2021 to 2025. A member of the [[Social Democratic Party of Germany|Social Democratic Party]] (SPD), he previously served as [[Vice-Chancellor of Germany|vice chancellor]] in the [[fourth Merkel cabinet]] and as [[Federal Ministry of Finance (Germany)|Federal Minister of Finance]] from 2018 to 2021. He was also [[List of mayors of Hamburg|First Mayor of Hamburg]] from 2011 to 2018, deputy leader of the SPD from 2009 to 2019, and [[Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs|Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs]] from 2007 to 2009.

Scholz began his career as a lawyer specialising in [[labour and employment law]]. He became a member of the SPD in the 1970s and was a member of the [[Bundestag]] from 1998 to 2011. Scholz served in the [[Government of Hamburg|Hamburg Government]] under [[List of mayors of Hamburg|First Mayor]] [[Ortwin Runde]] in 2001 and became [[Social Democratic Party of Germany|general secretary]] of the SPD in 2002, where he served alongside SPD leader and then-chancellor [[Gerhard Schröder]]. He became his party's [[Chief Whip|chief whip]] in the Bundestag, later entering the [[First Merkel cabinet|First Merkel Government]] in 2007 as [[Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs|Federal Minister for Labour and Social Affairs]]. After the SPD moved into the opposition following the [[2009 German federal election|2009 federal election]], Scholz returned to lead the SPD in Hamburg. He was then elected deputy leader of the SPD. He led his party to victory in the [[2011 Hamburg state election]] and became first mayor, a position he held until 2018.

After the Social Democratic Party entered the [[Fourth Merkel cabinet|fourth Merkel government]] in 2018, Scholz was appointed as both minister of finance and Vice Chancellor of Germany. In 2020, he was nominated as the SPD's [[candidate]] for Chancellor of Germany for the [[2021 German federal election|2021 federal election]]. The party won a plurality of seats in the [[Bundestag]] and formed a "[[traffic light coalition]]" with [[Alliance 90/The Greens]] and the [[Free Democratic Party (Germany)|Free Democratic Party]]. On 8 December 2021, Scholz was elected and sworn in as chancellor by the Bundestag, succeeding [[Angela Merkel]].

As chancellor, Scholz oversaw Germany's response to the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]]. Despite giving a restrained and timid response compared to many other Western leaders, Scholz oversaw a significant increase in the German defence budget, [[List of military aid to Ukraine during the Russo-Ukrainian War|weapons shipments to Ukraine]], and the [[Nord Stream 2]] pipeline was put on hold. Three days after the invasion, Scholz set out the principles of a new German defence policy in his [[Zeitenwende speech]]. In September 2022, three of the four [[Nord Stream pipelines sabotage|Nord Stream pipelines were destroyed]]. During the [[Gaza war]], he authorized substantial German [[Military aid|military]] and medical aid to Israel, and denounced the actions of [[Hamas]] and other [[Palestinian political violence|Palestinian militant groups]]. In November 2023, the [[Federal Constitutional Court]] demanded budget cuts totaling {{Euro|60{{nbsp}}billion}} to ensure the government would not surpass [[debt limit]]s as set in the constitution;<ref>{{cite news|last=Martinez|first=Maria|date=15 November 2023|title=German court deals 60 billion euro budget blow to Scholz government|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/german-court-make-key-ruling-budget-manoeuvre-2023-11-15/|access-date=6 August 2024|url-status=live|archive-date=5 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205192834/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/german-court-make-key-ruling-budget-manoeuvre-2023-11-15/}}</ref> this proved a significant challenge for Scholz's cabinet and contributed to the [[2023–2024 German farmers' protests|2023–2024 protests]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Moulson|first=Geir|date=2 February 2024|title=German lawmakers approve contested cuts to farmers' fuel subsidies and a revamped 2024 budget|work=Associated Press|url=https://apnews.com/article/germany-2024-budget-farmers-subsidies-protests-8e2e82a9ce37363df4473c22ed49ad6d|access-date=6 August 2024|url-status=live|archive-date=6 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806025715/https://apnews.com/article/germany-2024-budget-farmers-subsidies-protests-8e2e82a9ce37363df4473c22ed49ad6d}}</ref> On 6 November 2024, [[2024 German government crisis|his government majority collapsed]] as he dismissed [[Christian Lindner]] from the post of [[Federal Ministry of Finance (Germany)|Federal Minister of Finance]] and broke up the coalition agreement. On 16 December 2024, Scholz lost a [[Motion of confidence#Germany|vote of confidence]] and in [[2025 German federal election|the following snap election]] on 23 February 2025, his SPD lost to [[Friedrich Merz]]'s CDU, placing third (behind [[CDU/CSU|Union]] and [[Alternative for Germany|AfD]]) for the lowest result in its post-war history.

==Early life and education==
Olaf Scholz was born on 14 June 1958, in [[Osnabrück]], [[Lower Saxony]], and grew up in [[Hamburg]]'s [[Rahlstedt]] district.<ref name="Cliffe-2021">{{cite news|last=Cliffe|first=Jeremy|date=3 September 2021|title=How Olaf Scholz and the SPD could lead Germany's next government|work=[[New Statesman]]|url=https://www.newstatesman.com/german-election-2021/2021/09/how-olaf-scholz-and-the-spd-could-lead-germanys-next-government|access-date=27 September 2021|archive-date=24 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924175225/https://www.newstatesman.com/german-election-2021/2021/09/how-olaf-scholz-and-the-spd-could-lead-germanys-next-government|url-status=live}}</ref> His parents worked in the [[textile industry]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Bennhold|first=Katrin|date=24 November 2021|title=He Convinced Voters He Would Be Like Merkel. But Who Is Olaf Scholz?|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/24/world/europe/germany-new-chancellor-olaf-scholz.html|access-date=25 November 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=25 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125194911/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/24/world/europe/germany-new-chancellor-olaf-scholz.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He has two younger brothers, Jens Scholz, an [[anesthesiologist]] and CEO of the [[University Medical Center Schleswig Holstein]];<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gammelin |first1=Cerstin |title=Olaf Scholz Bruder: Warum Jens Scholz in Paris berühmt |url=https://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/olaf-scholz-bruder-jens-scholz-paris-1.4946439 |website=Süddeutsche Zeitung |access-date=7 September 2021 |language=de |date=25 June 2020 |archive-date=7 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907150854/https://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/olaf-scholz-bruder-jens-scholz-paris-1.4946439 |url-status=live }}</ref> and Ingo Scholz, a tech entrepreneur.

Scholz attended the Bekassinenau elementary school in Oldenfelde, and then switched to the Großlohering elementary school in Großlohe. After graduating from high school in 1977, he began studying law at the [[University of Hamburg]] in 1978 as part of a one-stage legal training course.<ref>{{cite web |last=Schindler |first=Fabian |date=21 March 2011 |title=Stades Bürgermeister verkündet seinen Abschied |trans-title=stade's mayor announces his departure |url=https://www.abendblatt.de/region/stade/article107978528/Stades-Buergermeister-verkuendet-seinen-Abschied.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807164046/https://www.abendblatt.de/region/stade/article107978528/Stades-Buergermeister-verkuendet-seinen-Abschied.html |archive-date=7 August 2021 |access-date=7 September 2021 |website=Hamburger Abendblatt |language=de}}</ref> He later found employment as a lawyer specialising in labour and employment law, working at the law firm Zimmermann, Scholz und Partner.<ref name="Chazan-2018">{{cite news |last1=Chazan |first1=Guy |title=Olaf Scholz, a sound guardian for Germany's finances |url=https://www.ft.com/content/170b9d0a-0cc2-11e8-8eb7-42f857ea9f09 |website=Financial Times |access-date=7 September 2021 |date=9 February 2018 |archive-date=26 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826204338/https://www.ft.com/content/170b9d0a-0cc2-11e8-8eb7-42f857ea9f09 |url-status=live }}</ref> Scholz joined the [[Social Democratic Party of Germany|Social Democratic Party]] at the age of 17.<ref name="Cliffe-2021" />

Scholz's family is traditionally [[Lutheran]], and he was [[Baptism|baptized]] in the [[Protestant Church in Germany]]. He holds largely [[Secularity|secular]] political views, and left the Church in adulthood, but has emphasised a need for appreciation of Germany's Christian heritage and culture.<ref>{{cite news |title=Scholz: Christliche Prägung unserer Kultur wertschätzen |first=Birgit |last=Wilke |language=de |work=Katholisch.de |url=https://www.katholisch.de/artikel/31307-scholz-christliche-praegung-unserer-kultur-wertschaetzen |access-date=26 September 2021 |archive-date=20 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920152940/https://www.katholisch.de/artikel/31307-scholz-christliche-praegung-unserer-kultur-wertschaetzen |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Political career==
===Early political career===
====Young socialist (1975–1989)====
[[File:Olaf Scholz 1984.jpg|thumb|left|Scholz at the [[Young Socialists in the SPD|Young Socialists Congress]], 1984]]

Olaf Scholz joined the [[SPD]] in 1975 as a student, where he came into contact with the [[Young Socialists in the SPD|Jusos]], the youth organization of the SPD. From 1982 to 1988, he was Deputy Federal Chairman of the Jusos. Scholz was also Vice President of the [[International Union of Socialist Youth]] from 1987 to 1989. He supported the Freudenberger Kreis, a [[Marxist]] wing of the Jusos' university groups, arguing that society should "overcome the capitalist economy" in one of his publications.<ref name="Bauernopfer">{{cite web|first1=Markus|last1=Feldenkirchen|first2=Michael|last2=Sauga|url=http://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/print/d-54076837.html|title=Rückkehr eines Bauernopfers|website=Der Spiegel|date=26 November 2007|access-date=2 October 2024|archive-date=23 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323210604/http://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/print/d-54076837.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In it, Scholz criticized the "aggressive-imperialist [[NATO]]", the [[Germany|Federal Republic]] as the "European stronghold of big business" and the [[social-liberal coalition]], which puts the "bare maintenance of power above any form of substantive dispute".<ref>{{cite news|title=Kann er Kanzler?: Olaf Scholz – ein kritisches Porträt über den Kanzlerkandidaten der SPD|periodical=[[Handelsblatt]]|publisher=|url=https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/kann-er-kanzler-olaf-scholz-ein-kritisches-portraet-ueber-den-kanzlerkandidaten-der-spd/26106816.html|first1=Martin|last1=Greive|first2=Jan|last2=Hildebrand|first3=Christian|last3=Rickens|first4=Klaus|last4=Stratmann|date=21 August 2020|language=de|pages=|access-date=16 January 2025|quote=}}</ref> Referring to this period in his life, Scholz later said that he "made almost all possible mistakes at some point".<ref name="Bauernopfer" />

On 4 January 1984, Olaf Scholz and other Juso leaders attended a meeting in [[East Germany]] with [[Egon Krenz]], then secretary of the Central Committee of the [[Socialist Unity Party of Germany|SED]], and [[Herbert Häber]], member of the Politburo of the SED-Central Committee.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Knabe |first=Hubertus |date=24 September 2021 |title=Historiker enthüllt: So nahe stand der Jungsozialist Olaf Scholz den Machthabern in der DDR |trans-title=historian reveals: this is how close young socialist olaf scholz was to the rulers in the gdr |url=https://www.focus.de/politik/deutschland/bundestagswahl/gastbeitrag-von-hubertus-knabe-partner-im-friedenskampf-jungsozialistische-ausfluege-in-die-ddr-im-ersten-leben-des-olaf-scholz_id_24256554.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905111544/https://www.focus.de/politik/deutschland/bundestagswahl/gastbeitrag-von-hubertus-knabe-partner-im-friedenskampf-jungsozialistische-ausfluege-in-die-ddr-im-ersten-leben-des-olaf-scholz_id_24256554.html |archive-date=5 September 2022 |access-date=18 June 2024 |work=[[Focus Online]] |language=de}}</ref> In 1987, Scholz crossed the [[Inner German border|inner-German border]] again and stood up for disarmament agreements as Juso-Vice at an [[Free German Youth|FDJ]] peace rally in [[Wittenberg]] alongside FDJ head [[Eberhard Aurich]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Olaf Scholz früher: 'Abrüstung jetzt!' |date=5 September 1987 |work=[[Südwestrundfunk]] |language=de |url=https://www.swr.de/swr2/wissen/archivradio/591987-juso-vize-olaf-scholz-bei-der-manifestation-der-jugend-in-der-ddr-100.html |url-status=live |access-date=16 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020014033/https://www.swr.de/swr2/wissen/archivradio/591987-juso-vize-olaf-scholz-bei-der-manifestation-der-jugend-in-der-ddr-100.html |archive-date=20 October 2021 |quote= }}</ref>

====Member of the Bundestag (1998–2001)====
Scholz was elected to his first political office as a Deputy Member of the Bundestag representing the constituency of [[Hamburg-Altona (electoral district)|Hamburg-Altona]] in [[1998 German federal election|1998]], aged 40.<ref>{{cite web|date=18 April 2013|title=Olaf Scholz, MdB|url=https://www.spdfraktion.de/abgeordnete/scholz|access-date=8 December 2021|website=SPD-Bundestagsfraktion|language=de|archive-date=8 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208135326/https://www.spdfraktion.de/abgeordnete/scholz|url-status=live}}</ref> During his tenure, Scholz served on the Committee for Labour and Social Matters.<ref>{{Cite web |title=German Bundestag - Committee on Labour and Social Affairs |url=https://www.bundestag.de/en/committees/a11 |access-date=16 January 2025 |website=German Bundestag |language=en}}</ref> In the committee of inquiry into the visa affair of the Bundestag, he was chairman of the SPD parliamentary group.<ref>{{cite news |title=Scholz: Politisch Verantwortliche erst später vernehmen |date=17 February 2005 |work=[[DeutschlandRadio Berlin]] |language=de |url=https://www.deutschlandradio.de/archiv/dlr/sendungen/interview_dlr/348552/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208135318/https://www.deutschlandradio.de/archiv/dlr/sendungen/interview_dlr/348552/index.html |archive-date=8 December 2021 |access-date=16 January 2025 }}</ref> Scholz resigned his mandate on 6 June 2001, to take office as Senator.{{Clarify|date=June 2023}} Because his seat was an [[overhang seat]], it was not filled until the [[2002 German federal election]].{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}}

====Senator for the Interior of Hamburg (2001)====
On 30 May 2001, Scholz succeeded Hartmuth Wrocklage to become [[Government of Hamburg|Senator for the Interior of Hamburg]] in the Senate led by Mayor [[Ortwin Runde]]. Wrocklage had resigned due to allegations of nepotism. He also succeeded Wrocklage as [[German Bundesrat#Today|Deputy Member]] of the [[German Bundesrat|Bundesrat]].{{citation needed |date=June 2023}}

During his brief time as Senator, Scholz approved the involuntary use of [[Vomiting|emetics]] to gather evidence from suspected drug dealers.<ref name="politico2021">{{cite news |title=Olaf Scholz: The Teflon candidate |first1=Hans |last1=von der Burchard |first2=Matthew |last2=Karnitschnig |date=23 September 2021 |website=[[Politico]] |language=en-US |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/olaf-scholz-teflon-candidate-germany-election-2021/ |url-status=live |archive-date=2 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002144449/https://www.politico.eu/article/olaf-scholz-teflon-candidate-germany-election-2021/ |access-date=16 December 2021 }}</ref> The measure was controversial: the Hamburg Medical Chamber expressed disapproval of this practice due to potential health risks<ref name="Pressestelle der Ärztekammer Hamburg-2001">{{cite web |title=Kein ärztlicher Eingriff mit Gewalt |trans-title=No forced medical intervention |date=30 October 2001 |url=http://www.aerztekammer-hamburg.de/funktionen/news/content_presse_archiv.php3?saveDate=1004396400 |language=de |website=Pressestelle der Ärztekammer Hamburg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119142831/http://www.aerztekammer-hamburg.de/funktionen/news/content_presse_archiv.php3?saveDate=1004396400 |archive-date=19 November 2010 |access-date=13 September 2021 }}</ref> as did his then coalition partner [[Alliance 90/The Greens Hamburg|GAL]] calling it “a serious violation of privacy and physical integrity”<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.welt.de/print-welt/article462778/Brechmittel-GAL-Basis-gegen-eigene-Senatoren.html |title=Brechmittel: GAL-Basis gegen eigene Senatoren |date=12 July 2001 |work=Die Welt |language=de |access-date=2 February 2025}}</ref> and the practice was ruled illegal in 2006 by the [[European Court of Human Rights]].<ref name="politico2021"/>

Scholz left office in October 2001, after the defeat of his party at the [[2001 Hamburg state election]] and the election of [[Ole von Beust]] as First Mayor. His successor was [[Ronald Schill]], who had won on a [[Law and order (politics)|Law and order]] platform, with an emphasis on harsh penalties for drug dealers.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gärtner |first=Birgit |date=28 May 2021 |title=Olaf Scholz: einst Kapitalismuskritik, dann Sozialabbau |trans-title=olaf scholz: once a critic of capitalism, then a proponent of social cutbacks |url=https://www.heise.de/tp/features/Olaf-Scholz-einst-Kapitalismuskritik-dann-Sozialabbau-6056131.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208144004/https://www.heise.de/tp/features/Olaf-Scholz-einst-Kapitalismuskritik-dann-Sozialabbau-6056131.html |archive-date=8 December 2021 |access-date=8 December 2021 |website=Telepolis |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=19 August 2003 |title=Ronald Schill: Chronik einer kurzen Polit-Karriere |trans-title=Ronald Schill: Chronicle of a short political career |url=https://www.manager-magazin.de/unternehmen/karriere/a-261886.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209195339/https://www.manager-magazin.de/unternehmen/karriere/a-261886.html |archive-date=9 December 2021 |access-date=8 December 2021 |website=Manager-Magazin |language=de}}</ref>

=== Federal and state political career ===

====Member of the Bundestag (2002–2011)====
Scholz was elected again to the [[Bundestag]] in the [[2002 German federal election]]. From 2002 to 2004, Scholz also served as [[Secretary-General|General Secretary of the SPD]]; he resigned from that office when party leader and Chancellor [[Gerhard Schröder]], facing disaffection within his own party and hampered by persistently low public approval ratings, announced he would step down as Leader of the Social Democratic Party.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bernstein |first=Richard |date=7 February 2004 |title=Schröder Quitting Party Post, Citing Need to Pursue Reforms |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/07/world/schroder-quitting-party-post-citing-need-to-pursue-reforms.html |access-date=23 June 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=13 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213021639/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/07/world/schroder-quitting-party-post-citing-need-to-pursue-reforms.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Scholz was one of a series of politicians who sparked debate over the German journalistic norm of allowing interviewees to "authorize" and amend quotes before publication. This came after his press team insisted on extensively editing an interview with ''[[Die Tageszeitung]]'' in 2003.<ref>Moritz Schuller (7 September 2003), [https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/dec/08/mondaymediasection7 The right to revise] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008032029/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/dec/08/mondaymediasection7 |date=8 October 2016 }} ''[[The Guardian]]''</ref>{{full citation needed |date=January 2025}}<ref>Ben Knight (19 January 2016), [http://www.dw.com/en/time-to-end-interview-authorization-in-germany/a-18989875 Time to end interview authorization in Germany?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123045333/http://www.dw.com/en/time-to-end-interview-authorization-in-germany/a-18989875 |date=23 January 2016 }} ''[[Deutsche Welle]]''</ref>{{full citation needed |date=January 2025}} ''Die Tageszeitung'' editor [[Bascha Mika]] condemned the norm as a "betrayal of the claim to a free press", and the newspaper ultimately published the interview with Scholz's answers blacked out.<ref>{{Cite news|date=28 November 2003|title=Geheime Verschlusssache Interview|language=de|pages=1|work=Die Tageszeitung: taz|url=https://taz.de/!673398/|access-date=8 December 2021|issn=0931-9085|archive-date=8 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208140152/https://taz.de/!673398/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Wieduwilt |first=Hendrik |date=6 October 2021 |title=Die Autorisierung von Interviews: ein Machtkampf |trans-title=The authorization of interviews: a power struggle |url=https://uebermedien.de/63772/die-autorisierung-von-interviews-ein-machtkampf/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002144453/https://uebermedien.de/63772/die-autorisierung-von-interviews-ein-machtkampf/ |archive-date=2 October 2024 |access-date=8 December 2021 |website=Übermedien |language=de-DE}}</ref>

Scholz served as the SPD spokesperson on the inquiry committee investigating the 2005 [[German Visa Affair 2005|German Visa Affair]]. Following the [[2005 German federal election|federal election]] later that year, he served as First Parliamentary Secretary of the SPD Bundestag Group. He also became [[Chief Whip]] of the Social Democratic Party. In this capacity, he worked closely with the CDU Chief Whip [[Norbert Röttgen]] to manage and defend the [[Grand coalition (Germany)|grand coalition]] led by Chancellor [[Angela Merkel]] in the Bundestag.<ref>Sebastian Fischer (13 November 2007), [http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/muentefering-resignation-merkel-loses-mr-grand-coalition-a-517132.html Müntefering Resignation: Merkel Loses 'Mr. Grand Coalition'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116201427/http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/muentefering-resignation-merkel-loses-mr-grand-coalition-a-517132.html |date=16 January 2017 }} ''[[Spiegel Online]]''.</ref> Scholz also served as a member of the [[Parliamentary Oversight Panel (Germany)|Parliamentary Oversight Panel]], which provides parliamentary oversight of the German federal intelligence services; the [[Federal Intelligence Service (Germany)|BND]], [[Militärischer Abschirmdienst|MAD]] and [[Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution|BfV]].<ref>{{cite web |date=5 December 2021 |title=Wen beruft Olaf Scholz aus der rheinland-pfälzischen SPD? |trans-title=Whom does Olaf Scholz appoint from the Rhineland-Palatinate SPD? |url=https://www.swr.de/swraktuell/rheinland-pfalz/spd-ampel-kabinett-spekulation-100.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208140147/https://www.swr.de/swraktuell/rheinland-pfalz/spd-ampel-kabinett-spekulation-100.html |archive-date=8 December 2021 |access-date=8 December 2021 |website=swr.online |language=de}}</ref>

====Minister of Labour and Social Affairs (2007–2009)====
In 2007, Scholz was appointed to serve as [[Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (Germany)|Minister of Labour and Social Affairs]] in the first [[First Merkel cabinet|Merkel Government]], succeeding [[Franz Müntefering]].<ref>Andreas Cremer and Brian Parkin, [https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601085&sid=avKnSh84M5yQ&refer=europe "Muentefering, Vice-Chancellor Under Merkel, Quits"] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120525104505/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601085&sid=avKnSh84M5yQ&refer=europe |date=25 May 2012 }}, Bloomberg.com, 13 November 2007.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 February 2008 |title=Merkel defends record as Germany's tense governing coalition hits 2-year mark – International Herald Tribune |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/11/21/europe/EU-POL-Germany-Merkels-Two-Years.php |access-date=23 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080217055653/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/11/21/europe/EU-POL-Germany-Merkels-Two-Years.php |archive-date=17 February 2008 }}</ref>

Following the [[2009 German federal election|2009 federal election]], when the SPD left the Government, Scholz was elected as Deputy Leader of the SPD, replacing [[Frank-Walter Steinmeier]]. {{Citation needed|date=June 2023}} Between 2009 and 2011, he was also a member of the SPD group's Afghanistan/Pakistan Task Force.<ref name="spd-os21">{{cite web |url=http://www.spdfraktion.de/abgeordnete/scholz?wp=17 |title=Olaf Scholz |date=13 September 2021 |language=de |website=SPD-Bundestagsfraktion |access-date=13 September 2021 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402090746/http://www.spdfraktion.de/abgeordnete/scholz?wp=17 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2010, he participated in the annual [[Bilderberg Group|Bilderberg Meeting]] in [[Sitges]], Spain.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bilderbergmeetings.org/meeting_2010_2.html |title=Bilderberg Meetings: Sitges, Spain 3–6 June 2010 – Final List of Participants |website=Bilderberg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617025004/http://www.bilderbergmeetings.org/meeting_2010_2.html |archive-date=17 June 2010 |access-date=13 September 2021 }}</ref>

====First Mayor of Hamburg (2011–2018)====
[[File:Olaf Scholz IMG 4886 edit.jpg|thumb|Scholz in March 2011, on the government benches in the [[Hamburg Parliament]], shortly after his election as First Mayor]]

In 2011, Scholz was the lead SPD candidate at the [[2011 Hamburg state election|Hamburg state election]], which the SPD won with 48.3% of the votes, taking 62 of 121 seats in the [[Hamburg Parliament]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aicgs.org/analysis/special/elections11/hamburg.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110316180205/http://www.aicgs.org/analysis/special/elections11/hamburg.aspx|url-status=dead|title=AICGS Coverage of the 2011 Land Elections|archive-date=16 March 2011}}</ref> Scholz resigned as a Member of the Bundestag on 11 March 2011, days after his formal election as First Mayor of Hamburg; [[Dorothee Stapelfeldt]], also a Social Democrat, was appointed his Deputy First Mayor.<ref>{{Cite news|date=15 February 2015|title=Die vielen Baustellen von König Olaf|language=de-DE|work=Der Tagesspiegel Online|url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/spd-nach-der-hamburg-wahl-die-vielen-baustellen-von-koenig-olaf/11377564.html|access-date=8 December 2021|issn=1865-2263|archive-date=8 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208151042/https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/spd-nach-der-hamburg-wahl-die-vielen-baustellen-von-koenig-olaf/11377564.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=11 March 2011|title=Egloff folgt auf Scholz|language=de|work=Hamburger Abendblatt|url=https://www.abendblatt.de/hamburg/kommunales/article107967827/Egloff-folgt-auf-Scholz.html|access-date=2 October 2024|archive-date=8 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208144228/https://www.abendblatt.de/hamburg/kommunales/article107967827/Egloff-folgt-auf-Scholz.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=18 March 2011 |title=Stapelfeldt wird Hamburgs Zweite Bürgermeisterin |trans-title=Stapelfeldt becomes Hamburg's second mayor |url=https://www.abendblatt.de/hamburg/article107973393/Stapelfeldt-wird-Hamburgs-Zweite-Buergermeisterin.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208141548/https://www.abendblatt.de/hamburg/article107973393/Stapelfeldt-wird-Hamburgs-Zweite-Buergermeisterin.html |archive-date=8 December 2021 |access-date=2 October 2024 |work=Hamburger Abendblatt |language=de}}</ref>

In his capacity as First Mayor, Scholz represented Hamburg and Germany internationally. On 7 June 2011, Scholz attended the [[state dinner]] hosted by President [[Barack Obama]] in honor of [[Chancellor of Germany|Chancellor]] [[Angela Merkel]] at the [[White House]].<ref>[https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2011/06/07/expected-attendees-tonights-state-dinner Expected Attendees at Tonight's State Dinner] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119003032/https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/06/07/expected-attendees-tonights-state-dinner |date=19 January 2017 }} [[Office of the First Lady of the United States]], press release of 7 June 2011.</ref> As host of Hamburg's annual St. Matthias' Day banquet for the city's civic and business leaders, he brought several notable guests of honour to the city, including [[Jean-Marc Ayrault]], Prime Minister of France, in 2013; [[David Cameron]], Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, in 2016; and [[Justin Trudeau]], Prime Minister of Canada, in 2017.<ref>Josh Wingrove (17 February 2017), [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-02-17/trudeau-stresses-fair-wages-tax-compliance-in-warning-to-europe Trudeau Stresses Fair Wages, Tax Compliance in Warning to Europe] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218222049/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-02-17/trudeau-stresses-fair-wages-tax-compliance-in-warning-to-europe |date=18 February 2017 }} ''[[Bloomberg News]]''.</ref> From 2015 until 2018, Scholz also served as [[France–Germany relations|Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Germany for Cultural Affairs under the Treaty on Franco-German Cooperation]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 October 2015 |title=Scholz Bevollmächtigter für deutsch-französische Kulturzusammenarbeit – WELT |url=https://www.welt.de/regionales/hamburg/article136617287/Scholz-Bevollmaechtigter-fuer-deutsch-franzoesische-Kulturzusammenarbeit.html |access-date=23 June 2023 |website=DIE WELT |language=de |archive-date=12 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312033448/https://www.welt.de/regionales/hamburg/article136617287/Scholz-Bevollmaechtigter-fuer-deutsch-franzoesische-Kulturzusammenarbeit.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Cumbre de Líderes del G20. Día 2 (35796382395).jpg|thumb|right|Scholz and the spouses of the heads of state and government at the [[G20]] in Hamburg, 2017]]

In 2013, Scholz opposed a public initiative aiming at a complete buyback of energy grids that the city of Hamburg had sold to utilities [[Vattenfall]] Europe AG and [[E.ON]] decades before; he argued this would overburden the city, whose debt stood at more than {{Euro|20B}} at the time.<ref>{{cite web|first=Nicholas|last=Brautlecht|date=23 September 2013|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-09-23/hamburg-backs-eu2-billion-buyback-of-power-grids-in-plebiscite|title=Hamburg Backs EU2 Billion Buyback of Power Grids in Plebiscite|work=[[Bloomberg News]]|access-date=10 March 2017|archive-date=29 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629143407/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-09-23/hamburg-backs-eu2-billion-buyback-of-power-grids-in-plebiscite|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Olaf Scholz - Global Citizen Festival Hamburg 03.jpg|thumb|right|Scholz speaking at the [[Global Citizen Festival]] 2017 in Hamburg]]

Scholz was asked to participate in exploratory talks between the CDU, CSU and SPD parties to form a coalition government following the [[2013 German federal election|2013 federal election]].<ref>{{cite web|first1=Patrick|last1=Donahue|first2=Arne|last2=Delfs|date=30 September 2013|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-09-29/germany-readies-for-weeks-of-coalition-talks-as-parties-position|title=Germany Sets Coalition Talks Date as Weeks of Bartering Loom|work=[[Bloomberg News]]|access-date=10 March 2017|archive-date=27 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227034547/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-09-29/germany-readies-for-weeks-of-coalition-talks-as-parties-position|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the subsequent negotiations, he led the SPD delegation in the financial policy working group; his co-chair from the CDU/CSU was Finance Minister [[Wolfgang Schäuble]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Patrick|last=Donahue|date=28 October 2013|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-10-27/merkel-enters-concrete-spd-talks-as-finance-post-looms|title=Merkel Enters Concrete SPD Talks as Finance Post Looms|work=[[Bloomberg News]]|access-date=10 March 2017|archive-date=27 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227034518/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-10-27/merkel-enters-concrete-spd-talks-as-finance-post-looms|url-status=dead}}</ref> Alongside fellow Social Democrats [[Jörg Asmussen]] and [[Thomas Oppermann]], Scholz was reported in the media to be a possible successor to Schäuble in the post of Finance Minister at the time; whilst Schäuble remained in post, the talks to form a coalition were ultimately successful.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Rainer|last1=Buergin|first2=Birgit|last2=Jennen|date=20 September 2013|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-09-19/schaeuble-seen-keeping-finance-post-even-in-spd-coalition|title=Schaeuble Seen Keeping Finance Post Even in SPD Coalition|work=[[Bloomberg News]]|access-date=10 March 2017|archive-date=27 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227034508/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-09-19/schaeuble-seen-keeping-finance-post-even-in-spd-coalition|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In a paper compiled in late 2014, Scholz and Schäuble proposed redirecting revenue from the [[Taxation in Germany|solidarity surcharge]] on income and corporate tax ({{lang|de|Solidaritätszuschlag}}) to subsidize the federal states' interest payments.<ref>{{cite web|first=Rainer|last=Buergin|date=4 March 2015|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-03-04/merkel-weighs-end-of-reunification-tax-for-east-germany|title=Merkel Weighs End of Reunification Tax for East Germany|work=[[Bloomberg Business]]|access-date=10 March 2017|archive-date=27 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227034544/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-03-04/merkel-weighs-end-of-reunification-tax-for-east-germany|url-status=dead}}</ref> Under Scholz's leadership, the Social Democrats won the [[2015 Hamburg state election|2015 state election]] in Hamburg, receiving around 47% of the vote.<ref>{{cite web|first=Caroline|last=Copley|date=15 February 2015|url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2015/02/15/world/europe/15reuters-germany-politics-hamburg.html|title=Merkel's Conservatives Suffer Blow in State Vote, Eurosceptics Gain|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> He formed a [[coalition government]] with the [[Alliance '90/The Greens|Green Party]], with Green leader [[Katharina Fegebank]] being appointed to serve as Deputy First Mayor.<ref>{{cite web|title=Olaf Scholz: Hanseat und Comeback-Spezialist|url=https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/Olaf-Scholz-Hanseat-und-Comeback-Spezialist,scholz2074.html|access-date=8 December 2021|website=NDR|language=de|archive-date=20 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220020909/https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/Olaf-Scholz-Hanseat-und-Comeback-Spezialist,scholz2074.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=15 April 2015|title=Olaf Scholz gewählt: Rot-Grün in Hamburg startet mit Vertrauensvorschuss|url=https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/buergerschaftswahlen-2015/olaf-scholz-gewaehlt-rot-gruen-in-hamburg-startet-mit-vertrauensvorschuss/11644762.html|access-date=8 December 2021|website=www.handelsblatt.com|language=de|archive-date=26 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426033717/http://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/buergerschaftswahlen-2015/olaf-scholz-gewaehlt-rot-gruen-in-hamburg-startet-mit-vertrauensvorschuss/11644762.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2015, Scholz led Hamburg's bid to host the [[2024 Summer Olympics]] with an estimated budget of {{Euro|11.2B}} ({{USD|12.6B}}), competing against Los Angeles, Paris, [[Rome]], and [[Budapest]]. In a referendum, the citizens of Hamburg later rejected the city's candidacy, with more than half voting against the project.<ref>{{Cite news |agency=Associated Press |date=2015-10-08 |title=Hamburg mayor: our Olympics will cost $12.6bn, less than London 2012 |url=https://motorcare.uk.com/ |access-date=2025-05-08 |work=motorcare.uk.com |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>Karolos Grohmann (29 November 2015), [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-olympics-hamburg-idUSKBN0TI0VC20151129#w6XLgBAPrJ4COKFY.97 Hamburg drops 2024 Games bid after referendum defeat] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825092108/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-olympics-hamburg-idUSKBN0TI0VC20151129#w6XLgBAPrJ4COKFY.97 |date=25 August 2021 }} ''[[Reuters]]''.</ref> Later that year, Scholz{{snd}}alongside [[Minister-President]] [[Torsten Albig]] of [[Schleswig-Holstein]]{{snd}}negotiated a [[Debt restructuring|debt-restructuring deal]] with the [[European Commission]]. The deal allowed German regional lender [[HSH Nordbank]] to offload {{Euro|6.2B}} in problematic assets, primarily underperforming ship loans, onto its government majority owners and avoid being shut down, saving around 2,500 jobs.<ref>Arno Schuetze and Foo Yun Chee (27 May 2015), [http://in.reuters.com/article/eu-hsh-nordbank-restructuring-idINL8N12J2SX20151019 HSH Nordbank strikes rescue deal with EU] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212225826/https://in.reuters.com/article/eu-hsh-nordbank-restructuring-idINL8N12J2SX20151019 |date=12 February 2020 }} ''[[Reuters]]''.</ref> In 2017, Scholz was criticised for his handling of riots that took place during the [[2017 G20 Hamburg summit|G20 summit]] in Hamburg.<ref name="Chazan-2018" />

In late 2021, Scholz was widely criticised for his handling of the [[CumEx-Files|CumEx]] tax fraud at [[M. M. Warburg & Co.]] when he was the mayor of Hamburg.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/cum-ex-skandal-warburg-hamburg-scholz-1.5480132 |title=Cum-Ex-Skandal:"Ich kann die Entscheidung nicht nachvollziehen" |date=4 December 2021 |access-date=5 December 2021 |archive-date=3 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103153609/https://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/cum-ex-skandal-warburg-hamburg-scholz-1.5480132 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/hamburg-tax-affair-follows-olaf-scholz-to-berlin-1.4742161 |title=Hamburg tax affair follows Olaf Scholz to Berlin |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |access-date=5 December 2021 |archive-date=29 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129190516/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/hamburg-tax-affair-follows-olaf-scholz-to-berlin-1.4742161 |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Vice Chancellor and Minister of Finance (2018–2021)====
[[File:2018-03-12 Unterzeichnung des Koalitionsvertrages der 19. Wahlperiode des Bundestages by Sandro Halank–003.jpg|thumb|left|Scholz (SPD), [[Angela Merkel]] (CDU) and [[Horst Seehofer]] (CSU) presenting the 2018 [[Grand coalition (Germany)|coalition agreement]] for Germany's [[fourth Merkel cabinet]]]]

After a lengthy period of inter-party negotiations following the [[2017 German federal election|2017 federal election]], during which the CDU, CSU and SPD agreed to continue in coalition, Scholz was appointed [[Federal Ministry of Finance (Germany)|Federal Minister of Finance]]. Scholz was sworn in alongside the rest of the [[fourth Merkel cabinet]] on 14 March 2018, also taking the role of [[Vice Chancellor of Germany]] under [[Angela Merkel]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/index.html|title=Nachrichten aus Hamburg|website=NDR|access-date=28 March 2019|archive-date=19 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719044919/https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/Neue-U-Bahn-Station-Elbbruecken-eroeffnet,elbbruecken212.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Within his first months in office, Scholz became one of Germany's most popular politicians, reaching an approval rating of 50%.<ref name="Nienaber-2018">{{cite web|first=Michael|last=Nienaber|date=29 May 2018|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-scholz-analysis/germanys-miserly-scholz-irks-comrades-at-home-and-abroad-idUSKCN1IU0EX|title=Germany's 'miserly' Scholz irks comrades at home and abroad|work=[[Reuters]]|access-date=2 June 2018|archive-date=29 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529084013/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-scholz-analysis/germanys-miserly-scholz-irks-comrades-at-home-and-abroad-idUSKCN1IU0EX|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2019, Scholz ran for leader of the SPD, but lost to [[Norbert Walter-Borjans]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=1 December 2019|title=SPD leadership choice threatens Germany's ruling coalition|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-politics-spd-idUSKBN1Y50ZK|access-date=17 December 2021|archive-date=17 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217202524/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-politics-spd-idUSKBN1Y50ZK|url-status=live}}</ref>

In response to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Germany]], Scholz drafted a series of financial rescue packages for the country's economy, including a {{Euro|130B}} stimulus package in June 2020. The stimulus package included support for businesses and freelancers as well as a decision to keep factories open. This is often credited as having prevented mass layoffs, and the effects of the [[Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19 financial crisis]] on the German economy were initially relatively low.<ref>{{cite web|first=Guy|last=Chazan|url=https://www.ft.com/content/335b5558-41b5-4a1e-a3b9-1440f7602bd8|date=4 June 2021|title=German stimulus aims to kick-start recovery 'with a ka-boom'|work=[[Financial Times]]|access-date=26 November 2021|archive-date=26 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126201458/https://www.ft.com/content/335b5558-41b5-4a1e-a3b9-1440f7602bd8|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Joseph|last=Nasr|date=9 May 2021|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germanys-spd-appeal-working-class-before-election-2021-05-09/|title=Germany's SPD appeal to working class before election|work=Reuters|access-date=24 May 2021|archive-date=24 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524101124/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germanys-spd-appeal-working-class-before-election-2021-05-09/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Scholz also oversaw the allocation of funding received from [[Next Generation EU]], the European Union's {{Euro|750B}} COVID-19 recovery fund. 90% of the {{Euro|28B}} available to Germany was invested into [[Climate change mitigation|climate protection]] and [[digitization]].<ref>Holger Hansen, Thomas Leigh and Sabine Siebold (27 April 2021), [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-germany-recovery-idUSKBN2CE1HY Germany to spend 90% of EU recovery money on green, digital goals] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524103145/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-germany-recovery-idUSKBN2CE1HY |date=24 May 2021 }} ''[[Reuters]]''.</ref>

At the [[47th G7 summit|G7 summit]] in June 2021, the G7 agreed on a [[global minimum corporate tax rate]] of at least 15%, which had been proposed by Scholz.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Michael|last1=Nienaber|first2=Leigh|last2=Thomas|first3=Padraic|last3=Halpin|date=6 April 2021|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/germanys-scholz-greets-us-move-work-global-corporate-minimum-tax-rate-2021-04-06/|title=Germany and France see global tax deal, Ireland has doubts|work=[[Reuters]]|access-date=14 June 2021|archive-date=14 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614213444/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/germanys-scholz-greets-us-move-work-global-corporate-minimum-tax-rate-2021-04-06/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Michael|last=Nienaber|date=14 June 2021|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germanys-scholz-bets-experience-uphill-election-battle-2021-06-14/|title=Analysis: Germany's Scholz bets on experience in uphill election battle|work=[[Reuters]]|access-date=14 June 2021|archive-date=14 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614213444/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germanys-scholz-bets-experience-uphill-election-battle-2021-06-14/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Scholz is credited as having convinced President of the US [[Joe Biden]] to agree to the proposal, which his predecessor [[Donald Trump]] had been opposed to.<ref>{{cite news|title=G7-Einigung auf Mindeststeuer: Olaf Scholz ist stolz auf Einigung – aber Arbeit bleibt|periodical=Der Spiegel|publisher=|url=https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/unternehmen/g7-einigung-auf-mindeststeuer-olaf-scholz-ist-stolz-auf-einigung-aber-arbeit-bleibt-a-9c808dde-5315-41d7-bb52-945a573961bc|url-status=live|format=|access-date=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029174814/https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/unternehmen/g7-einigung-auf-mindeststeuer-olaf-scholz-ist-stolz-auf-einigung-aber-arbeit-bleibt-a-9c808dde-5315-41d7-bb52-945a573961bc|archive-date=29 October 2021|first=Christian|last=Reiermann|date=5 June 2021|language=de|pages=|quote=}}</ref> Also in June 2021, Scholz oversaw the [[Federal Central Tax Office|Federal Central Tax Office's]] purchase of information regarding German citizens using [[Dubai]] for [[tax avoidance]] and [[Tax evasion|evasion]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Scholz kauft Steuerdaten von anonymem Informanten|work=Der Spiegel|date=6 November 2021|url=https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/olaf-scholz-kauft-steuerdaten-aus-dubai-a-c0ba6640-0002-0001-0000-000177879107|url-status=live|format=|access-date=26 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029174847/https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/olaf-scholz-kauft-steuerdaten-aus-dubai-a-c0ba6640-0002-0001-0000-000177879107|archive-date=29 October 2021}}</ref>

Scholz was criticized in the context of the [[Wirecard scandal]]; serious misconduct by the [[Federal Financial Supervisory Authority]] (BaFin), which is under the responsibility of the Federal Ministry of Finance, is alleged to have contributed to the longevity of the fraudulent business.<ref>{{cite web|title=Scholz kündigt Neuaufstellung der BaFin an|periodical=Bundesfinanzministerium.de|publisher=|url=https://www.bundesfinanzministerium.de/Content/DE/Pressemitteilungen/Finanzpolitik/2021/01/2021-01-29-neuaufstellung-bafin.html|url-status=live|access-date=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028170249/https://www.bundesfinanzministerium.de/Content/DE/Pressemitteilungen/Finanzpolitik/2021/01/2021-01-29-neuaufstellung-bafin.html|archive-date=28 October 2021|date=29 January 2021|language=|pages=|quote=}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=EU-Behörde sieht Defizite bei Aufsicht im Wirecard-Skandal|periodical=Welt|publisher=|url=https://www.welt.de/regionales/bayern/article219249588/EU-Behoerde-sieht-Defizite-bei-Aufsicht-im-Wirecard-Skandal.html|url-status=live|access-date=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029175422/https://www.welt.de/regionales/bayern/article219249588/EU-Behoerde-sieht-Defizite-bei-Aufsicht-im-Wirecard-Skandal.html|archive-date=29 October 2021|date=3 November 2020|language=|pages=|quote=}}</ref> During Scholz's time in office, the Ministry of Finance was one of the subjects of parliamentary inquiry into the scandal, but Scholz has denied any personal responsibility.<ref>{{cite web|first1=John|last1=O'Donnell|first2=Christian|last2=Kraemer|date=22 April 2021|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/germanys-finance-minister-rejects-blame-wirecard-fiasco-2021-04-22/|title=Germany's finance minister rejects blame for Wirecard fiasco|work=[[Reuters]]|access-date=24 May 2021|archive-date=24 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524105307/https://www.reuters.com/business/germanys-finance-minister-rejects-blame-wirecard-fiasco-2021-04-22/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/europe-business-government-and-politics-b2ba267ea3d5add60a77dd6c2a1c0303|title=German minister denies responsibility in Wirecard scandal|work=[[Associated Press]]|date=22 April 2021|access-date=24 May 2021|archive-date=24 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524105308/https://apnews.com/article/europe-business-government-and-politics-b2ba267ea3d5add60a77dd6c2a1c0303|url-status=dead}}</ref> Having vowed to strengthen financial market supervision, he replaced BaFin president [[Felix Hufeld]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Guy|last=Chazan|date=16 August 2020|url=https://www.ft.com/content/082cfe11-64bf-4f63-a79c-7a86bb29370e|title=Wirecard casts shadow over Scholz's bid to be German chancellor|work=[[Financial Times]]|access-date=24 May 2021|archive-date=24 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524105308/https://www.ft.com/content/082cfe11-64bf-4f63-a79c-7a86bb29370e|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Guy|last=Chazan|date=22 April 2021|url=https://www.ft.com/content/e639baf8-7f6c-421a-815b-5b48f0d9c655|title=Olaf Scholz defends German government's record on Wirecard|work=[[Financial Times]]|access-date=24 May 2021|archive-date=24 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524105307/https://www.ft.com/content/e639baf8-7f6c-421a-815b-5b48f0d9c655|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Candidate for SPD co-leadership (2019)====
{{Main|2019 Social Democratic Party of Germany leadership election}}
In June 2019, Scholz initially ruled out a candidacy for the party co-leadership following the resignation of [[Andrea Nahles]]. He explained that a simultaneous activity as [[Federal Ministry of Finance (Germany)|Federal Minister of Finance]] and party leader was "not possible in terms of time".<ref>[https://www.zdf.de/politik/berlin-direkt/olaf-scholz-bei-anne-will-102.html ''Scholz schließt im Juni noch SPD-Vorsitz aus''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329233254/https://www.zdf.de/politik/berlin-direkt/olaf-scholz-bei-anne-will-102.html |date=29 March 2022 }}. In: ''ZDF.de''. 16. August 2019. (in der ARD-Sendung "Anne Will").</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Olaf Scholz will nicht SPD-Parteivorsitzender werden|periodical=Zeit.de|publisher=|url=https://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2019-06/spd-krise-olaf-scholz-parteivorsitz-ralf-stegner-urwahl|date=3 June 2019|access-date=2 October 2024|archive-date=29 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329233249/https://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2019-06/spd-krise-olaf-scholz-parteivorsitz-ralf-stegner-urwahl|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Wortbruch auf offener Bühne:AKK und Scholz sind Symbolfiguren einer Vertrauenskrise|periodical=Focus.de|publisher=|url=https://www.focus.de/politik/deutschland/gastbeitrag-von-gabor-steingart-wortbruch-ohne-skrupel-so-zerstoeren-politiker-wie-akk-das-vertrauen-in-den-politik_id_11073498.html|date=27 August 2019|access-date=2 October 2024|archive-date=13 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220713233232/https://www.focus.de/politik/deutschland/gastbeitrag-von-gabor-steingart-wortbruch-ohne-skrupel-so-zerstoeren-politiker-wie-akk-das-vertrauen-in-den-politik_id_11073498.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, in August, Scholz announced his intention to run for party chairmanship with [[Klara Geywitz]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Olaf Scholz will SPD-Chef werden|periodical=Spiegel.de|publisher=|url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/olaf-scholz-will-spd-vorsitzender-werden-a-1282229.html|date=16 August 2019|access-date=2 October 2024|archive-date=11 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811213414/https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/olaf-scholz-will-spd-vorsitzender-werden-a-1282229.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Olaf Scholz tritt mit Klara Geywitz an|periodical=Spiegel.de|publisher=|url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/spd-olaf-scholz-bewirbt-sich-mit-klara-geywitz-fuer-parteivorsitz-a-1282806.html|date=20 August 2019|access-date=2 October 2024|archive-date=29 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329233252/https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/spd-olaf-scholz-bewirbt-sich-mit-klara-geywitz-fuer-parteivorsitz-a-1282806.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He said that many of his preferred candidates had not run for office, expressing a sense of "responsibility".<ref>{{cite web|title=Die (Selbst-)Rettung – Olaf Scholz will nun doch SPD-Chef werden|periodical=Handelsblatt.de|publisher=|url=https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/parteivorsitz-die-selbst-rettung-olaf-scholz-will-nun-doch-spd-chef-werden/24912108.html|date=18 August 2019|access-date=2 October 2024|archive-date=2 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002143733/https://www.handelsblatt.com/silent-refresh.html?error=login_required&state=27ac982f5a6046edb8cd680973ba66f2;eyJyZWZlcnJlciI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmhhbmRlbHNibGF0dC5jb20ifQ==|url-status=live}}</ref> Of the six candidate duos standing for election, the Geywitz-Scholz due received the most votes in the first round of the membership elections on 26 October 2019, with 22.7%. They qualified for the runoff election with the second-placed team [[Saskia Esken]] and [[Norbert Walter-Borjans]], which had received 21.0% of the vote.<ref>{{cite web|title=Scholz/Geywitz gegen Walter-Borjans/Esken in Stichwahl um SPD-Vorsitz|periodical=Spiegel.de|publisher=|url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/spd-scholz-geywitz-und-walter-borjans-esken-in-stichwahl-um-parteivorsitz-a-1293505.html|date=26 October 2019|access-date=2 October 2024|archive-date=29 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329233249/https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/spd-scholz-geywitz-und-walter-borjans-esken-in-stichwahl-um-parteivorsitz-a-1293505.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 30 November 2019, it was announced that Esken and Walter-Borjans had received 53.1% of the vote in the runoff election, with Geywitz and Scholz only receiving 45.3%.<ref>{{cite web|title=SPD-Mitglieder stimmen für Saskia Esken und Norbert Walter-Borjans als Parteichefs|periodical=Spiegel.de|publisher=|url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/spd-mitglieder-stimmen-fuer-saskia-esken-und-norbert-walter-borjans-a-1299099.html|date=30 November 2019|access-date=2 October 2024|archive-date=29 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329233446/https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/spd-mitglieder-stimmen-fuer-saskia-esken-und-norbert-walter-borjans-a-1299099.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This was seen as an upset victory for the left-wing of the SPD, including skeptics of [[Fourth Merkel cabinet|the grand coalition with the CDU]]. Esken and Walter-Borjans were little-known to the public at large, Esken being a backbencher in the [[Bundestag]] and Walter-Borjans being the former Minister of Finance of [[North Rhine-Westphalia]] from 2010 to 2017. Scholz on the other hand had the backing of much of the party establishment.{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}}

====SPD chancellor candidate (2021)====
{{See also|2021 German federal election}}
[[File:2021-08-21 Olaf Scholz 0309.JPG|thumb|Scholz at an election campaign event]]

On 10 August 2020, SPD party leadership agreed that it would nominate Scholz to be the party's candidate for [[Chancellor of Germany]] at the [[2021 German federal election|2021 federal election]].<ref name="ft.com">Erika Solomon (10 August 2020), [https://www.ft.com/content/7765e2da-7199-432a-ab18-234594a8768e German Social Democrats pick Olaf Scholz to run for chancellor] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524105307/https://www.ft.com/content/7765e2da-7199-432a-ab18-234594a8768e|date=24 May 2021}}&nbsp;''[[Financial Times]]''.</ref> Scholz is usually grouped with the moderate wing of the SPD,<ref>{{cite news |title=SPD-Spitze nominiert Olaf Scholz als Kanzlerkandidaten |url=https://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2020-08/olaf-scholz-spd-kanzlerkandidat |access-date=26 September 2021 |archive-date=20 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820113316/https://www.zeit.de/zustimmung?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zeit.de%2Fpolitik%2Fdeutschland%2F2020-08%2Folaf-scholz-spd-kanzlerkandidat |url-status=live }}</ref> and his nomination was seen by ''[[Die Tageszeitung]]'' as marking a decline of the party's left.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ende des linken Flügels |url=https://taz.de/Olaf-Scholz-wird-SPD-Kanzlerkandidat/!5706158/|work=Die Tageszeitung|language=de|access-date=26 September 2021 |archive-date=11 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411100342/https://taz.de/Olaf-Scholz-wird-SPD-Kanzlerkandidat/!5706158/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Scholz led the SPD to a narrow victory in the election, with the party receiving 25.8% of the [[Electoral system of Germany|second votes]] and 206 seats in the [[Bundestag]].<ref>{{cite web|author1=Frederik Pleitgen |author2=Salma Abdelaziz |author3=Nadine Schmidt |author4=Stephanie Halasz |author5=Laura Smith-Spark|title=SPD wins most seats in Germany's landmark election, preliminary official results show|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/26/europe/germany-election-results-polls-2021-grm-intl/index.html|access-date=27 September 2021|website=CNN|date=26 September 2021 |archive-date=27 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927040139/https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/26/europe/germany-election-results-polls-2021-grm-intl/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Following this victory, Scholz was widely considered to be the most likely next Chancellor of Germany in a [[traffic light coalition]] with [[Alliance 90/The Greens|The Greens]] and the [[Free Democratic Party (Germany)|Free Democratic Party]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 October 2021 |title=Die Ampel kann kommen: SPD, FDP und Grüne empfehlen Koalitionsgespräche |trans-title=The traffic light coalition can come: SPD, FDP, and Greens recommend coalition talks. |url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/spd-fdp-und-gruene-empfehlen-koalitionsgespraeche-a-e8617bfc-869f-4dc6-9a31-b295589a17b0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015143513/https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/spd-fdp-und-gruene-empfehlen-koalitionsgespraeche-a-e8617bfc-869f-4dc6-9a31-b295589a17b0 |archive-date=15 October 2021 |access-date=15 October 2021 |work=Der Spiegel |language=de |issn=2195-1349}}</ref>

On 24 November, the SPD, Green and FDP reached a [[coalition agreement]], naming Scholz as the new German chancellor.<ref>{{cite web|last=Apetz|first=Andreas|date=24 November 2021|title=Ampel-Koalition: So sieht der Fahrplan nach dem Koalitionsvertrag aus|url=https://www.fr.de/politik/ampel-koalition-koalitionsvertrag-so-geht-es-weiter-spd-fdp-gruene-regierung-91137643.html|access-date=8 December 2021|website=Frankfurter Rundschau|language=de|archive-date=8 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208150012/https://www.fr.de/politik/ampel-koalition-koalitionsvertrag-so-geht-es-weiter-spd-fdp-gruene-regierung-91137643.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Chancellor of Germany (2021–2025)==
Scholz was elected as chancellor by the [[Bundestag]] on 8 December 2021, with 395 votes in favour and 303 against.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bennhold|first=Katrin|date=8 December 2021|title=Germany Live Updates: Parliament Approves Scholz as Chancellor, Ending Merkel Era|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/12/08/world/germany-scholz-merkel|access-date=8 December 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=21 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221130320/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/12/08/world/germany-scholz-merkel|url-status=live}}</ref> His [[Scholz cabinet|new government]] was appointed on the same day by President [[Frank-Walter Steinmeier]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Liveblog: ++ Kabinett vereidigt – Regierungsarbeit kann starten ++|url=https://www.tagesschau.de/newsticker/liveblog-kanzlerwahl-101.html|access-date=8 December 2021|website=[[Tagesschau (German TV series)|Tagesschau]]|language=de|archive-date=8 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208075550/https://www.tagesschau.de/newsticker/liveblog-kanzlerwahl-101.html|url-status=live}}</ref> At {{ayd|1958|6|14|2021|12|8}} of age, Scholz is the oldest person to become chancellor since [[Konrad Adenauer]], who was {{ayd|1876|1|5|1949|9|15}} old when he assumed office on 15 September 1949.
{{gallery
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|File:Pääministeri Marinin ja liittokansleri Scholzin tapaaminen 16.3.2022 (51941396612).jpg
|Scholz and Finnish prime minister [[Sanna Marin]] in 2022

|File:President Joe Biden and Chancellor Olaf Scholz.jpg
|Scholz with US President [[Joe Biden]] in March 2023
}}

===Foreign policy===
{{See also|List of international trips made by Olaf Scholz}}
In December 2021, Scholz travelled to Warsaw for talks with Polish prime minister [[Mateusz Morawiecki]], where they discussed the [[Nord Stream 2]] [[gas pipeline]], which would bring Russian gas under the Baltic Sea to Germany and bypass Poland, and Poland's [[2015–present Polish constitutional crisis|dispute with the European Union]] over the [[Primacy of European Union law|primacy]] of [[European Union law|EU law]]. Scholz backed Poland's efforts to stop the flow of [[2021 Belarus–European Union border crisis|migrants seeking entry]] from Belarus.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tensions overshadow Olaf Scholz's inaugural visit to Warsaw |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/tensions-overshadow-olaf-scholz-s-inaugural-visit-to-warsaw-1.4754455?mode=sample&auth-failed=1&pw-origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.irishtimes.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Feurope%2Ftensions-overshadow-olaf-scholz-s-inaugural-visit-to-warsaw-1.4754455 |newspaper=The Irish Times |date=14 December 2021 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=19 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219132607/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/tensions-overshadow-olaf-scholz-s-inaugural-visit-to-warsaw-1.4754455?mode=sample&auth-failed=1&pw-origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.irishtimes.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Feurope%2Ftensions-overshadow-olaf-scholz-s-inaugural-visit-to-warsaw-1.4754455 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Scholz extended into 2022 the suspension of the sale of weapons to [[Saudi Arabia]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Saudi Arabia: German arms export ban set to soften? |url=https://www.tacticalreport.com/news/article/59403-saudi-arabia-german-arms-export-ban-set-to-soften |work=Tactical Report |date=18 March 2022 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=14 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814152903/https://www.tacticalreport.com/news/article/59403-saudi-arabia-german-arms-export-ban-set-to-soften |url-status=live }}</ref> The decision was made to "no longer approve any export sales to countries as long as they are directly involved" in the [[Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen]].<ref>{{cite news |title=German Ban on Arms Exports to Saudis Spurs Pushback |url=https://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-s-ban-on-arms-exports-to-saudi-arabia-spurs-pushback-a-1255764.html |work=Der Spiegel |date=6 March 2019 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=8 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808192326/https://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-s-ban-on-arms-exports-to-saudi-arabia-spurs-pushback-a-1255764.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2022, Scholz visited the [[United Arab Emirates]], [[Qatar]] and Saudi Arabia, seeking to deepen ties with the Arab states of the Persian Gulf and find alternative sources of energy.<ref>{{cite news |title=Scholz secures gas deal with Abu Dhabi amid pressure on human rights |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy/news/scholz-secures-gas-deal-with-abu-dhabi-amid-pressure-on-human-rights/ |work=Euractiv |date=26 September 2022 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=29 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529134639/https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy/news/scholz-secures-gas-deal-with-abu-dhabi-amid-pressure-on-human-rights/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince [[Mohammed bin Salman]] received Scholz in Jeddah.<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany's Scholz seeks to deepen energy partnership with Saudi Arabia |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/germanys-scholz-seeks-deepen-energy-partnership-with-saudi-arabia-2022-09-24/ |work=Reuters |date=24 September 2022 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=30 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530173139/https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/germanys-scholz-seeks-deepen-energy-partnership-with-saudi-arabia-2022-09-24/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Scholz's government approved new arms export deals to Saudi Arabia, despite a ban imposed as a result of the Saudi war in [[Yemen]] and the assassination of Saudi journalist [[Jamal Khashoggi]].<ref>{{cite news |title=German government approves arms exports to Saudi Arabia: reports |url=https://www.dw.com/en/german-government-approves-arms-exports-to-saudi-arabia-reports/a-63288334 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=29 September 2022 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=22 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240622220758/https://www.dw.com/en/german-government-approves-arms-exports-to-saudi-arabia-reports/a-63288334 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:30 01 2023 - Reunião com as delegações empresarias do Brasil e da Alemanha (52660068378).jpg|thumb|Scholz with Brazilian President [[Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva]] in Brasília, Brazil on 30 January 2023]]
Scholz called the US "Europe's closest and most important partner". Upon assuming the chancellorship in December 2021, he stated he would soon be meeting with President [[Joe Biden]], saying: "It is now clear what binds us together."<ref name="Voice of America-Scholz">{{cite news |last=Dettmer |first=Jamie |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/washington-hopeful-of-close-relations-with-germany-scholz/6343014.html |title=Washington Hopeful of Close Relations With Germany's Scholz |work=[[Voice of America]] |date=7 December 2021 |access-date=8 December 2021 |archive-date=28 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628023014/https://www.voanews.com/a/washington-hopeful-of-close-relations-with-germany-scholz/6343014.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 22 February 2022, Scholz announced that Germany would be halting its approval of the [[Nord Stream 2]] pipeline in response to Russia's [[International recognition of the Donetsk People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic|recognition]] of two self-declared [[Russo-Ukrainian War|separatist republics]] within Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-crisis-germany-halts-nord-stream-2-approval/a-60867443 | title= Ukraine crisis: Germany halts Nord Stream 2 approval | publisher= dw.com | date= 22 February 2022 | access-date= 22 February 2022 | archive-date= 22 February 2022 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220222111245/https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-crisis-germany-halts-nord-stream-2-approval/a-60867443 | url-status= live }}</ref> Scholz spoke against allowing the EU to cut Russia off from the [[SWIFT]] global interbank [[payment system]].<ref>{{Cite news|agency=Reuters|date=24 February 2022|title=Russia should not be cut off from SWIFT at the moment – Germany's Scholz|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/russia-should-not-be-cut-off-swift-moment-germanys-scholz-2022-02-24/|access-date=25 February 2022|archive-date=25 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225000810/https://www.reuters.com/world/russia-should-not-be-cut-off-swift-moment-germanys-scholz-2022-02-24/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In an emergency meeting of the [[Bundestag]] on 27 February, Scholz made the [[Zeitenwende speech]], announcing a complete reversal of German military and foreign policy, including the commencement of weapons shipments to Ukraine and a {{Euro|100}} billion increase in Germany's [[Bundeswehr|defense budget]].<ref>{{cite web |title='A new era': Germany rewrites its defence, foreign policies |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220227-a-new-era-germany-rewrites-its-defence-foreign-policies |website=France 24 |date=27 February 2022 |publisher=AFP |access-date=1 March 2022 |archive-date=20 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120070527/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220227-a-new-era-germany-rewrites-its-defence-foreign-policies |url-status=live }}</ref> Scholz succeeded in obtaining the two-thirds majority necessary to [[German balanced budget amendment|amend the debt ceiling]] to allow Germany to establish a 100 billion euro defense fund that would not be subject to the restrictions.<ref name="Military">{{cite news |url=https://www.ft.com/content/d24a5196-fa4e-415c-a9d5-bc19fad93197 |title=Germany approves €100bn fund to modernise its armed forces |work=Financial Times |date=3 June 2022}}</ref> One reporter called it a path to "an emergency military modernization, defence spending, energy independence from Russia, lethal assistance for Ukraine and EU financing for weaponry". However, in a press conference on 19 April Scholz spoke about slowing Germany's provision of weaponry to Ukraine, which was seen as reducing the scale of the policy change.<ref name="baker22">{{cite news |last1=Barker |first1=Tyson |date=25 April 2022 |title=The Berlin Elite's Ukraine Dilemma |publisher=German Council on Foreign Relations |url=https://dgap.org/en/research/publications/berlin-elites-ukraine-dilemma |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=24 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424040407/https://dgap.org/en/research/publications/berlin-elites-ukraine-dilemma |url-status=live }}</ref>

In June 2022, Scholz said that his government remains committed to phasing out [[Nuclear power in Germany|nuclear power]] despite [[2021–2022 global energy crisis|rising energy prices]] and Germany's dependence on [[Russia in the European energy sector|energy imports from Russia]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Scholz and liberal finance minister clash over nuclear phase-out |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy-environment/news/scholz-and-liberal-finance-minister-clash-over-nuclear-phase-out/ |work=[[Euractiv]] |date=9 June 2022 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=29 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240829161213/https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy-environment/news/scholz-and-liberal-finance-minister-clash-over-nuclear-phase-out/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Former Chancellor Angela Merkel committed Germany to a [[nuclear power phase-out]] after the [[Fukushima nuclear disaster]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany Confronts Its Nuclear Demons |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/06/20/germany-nuclear-power-energy-weapons-nato-russia-ukraine-war-energy-crisis-greens/ |work=[[Foreign Policy]] |date=20 June 2022 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002143726/https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/06/20/germany-nuclear-power-energy-weapons-nato-russia-ukraine-war-energy-crisis-greens/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In August 2022, Scholz expressed disagreement with the words of Palestinian leader [[Mahmoud Abbas]], who compared Israel's [[Israeli occupation of the West Bank|treatment of Palestinians]] to "apartheid" in South Africa.<ref>{{cite news |title=Scholz rejects use of 'apartheid' to describe Israel |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-scholz-rejects-use-of-apartheid-to-describe-israel/a-62828146 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=16 August 2022 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404143519/https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-scholz-rejects-use-of-apartheid-to-describe-israel/a-62828146 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:PM Narendra Modi meets the Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Olaf Scholz at Hyderabad House.jpg|thumb|Scholz with Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] in New Delhi, India on 25 February 2023]]
Energy-intensive [[Economy of Germany|German industry]] and [[List of exports of Germany|German exporters]] were hit particularly hard by the [[2021–present global energy crisis]].<ref>{{cite news |title=How Bad Will the German Recession Be? |url=https://www.spiegel.de/international/business/energy-crisis-fallout-how-bad-will-the-german-recession-be-a-9e1f479e-5fef-4e62-b5ca-2f9e87b9bbca |work=Der Spiegel |date=14 September 2022 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=27 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927162111/https://www.spiegel.de/international/business/energy-crisis-fallout-how-bad-will-the-german-recession-be-a-9e1f479e-5fef-4e62-b5ca-2f9e87b9bbca |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=A Grave Threat to Industry in Germany |url=https://www.spiegel.de/international/business/growing-energy-crisis-a-grave-threat-to-industry-in-germany-a-9152547c-a31d-483e-a70c-242c280cab23 |work=[[Der Spiegel]] |date=21 September 2022 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=5 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605231539/https://www.spiegel.de/international/business/growing-energy-crisis-a-grave-threat-to-industry-in-germany-a-9152547c-a31d-483e-a70c-242c280cab23 |url-status=live }}</ref> Scholz said: "of course we knew, and we know, that our solidarity with Ukraine will have consequences."<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany, EU race to fix energy crisis |url=https://www.euronews.com/next/2022/09/13/ukraine-crisis-europe-energy |work=Euronews |date=14 September 2022 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=5 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005170425/https://www.euronews.com/next/2022/09/13/ukraine-crisis-europe-energy |url-status=live }}</ref> On 29 September 2022, Germany presented a {{Euro|200B}} plan to support industry and households.<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany to mobilise €200bn economic 'shield' to field energy crisis |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy/news/germany-to-mobilise-e200bn-economic-shield-to-get-through-energy-crisis/ |work=[[Euractiv]] |date=30 September 2022 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=16 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116223710/https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy/news/germany-to-mobilise-e200bn-economic-shield-to-get-through-energy-crisis/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In November 2022, Scholz expressed support for the [[European Green Deal]] and reaffirmed Germany's goal of attaining [[Carbon neutrality|climate neutrality]], or net-zero [[greenhouse gas emissions]], by 2045.<ref>{{cite news |title=Scholz: Germany Won't Delay Path to Climate Neutrality by 2045 |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-11-05/scholz-germany-won-t-delay-path-to-climate-neutrality-by-2045 |work=Bloomberg |date=5 November 2022 |access-date=2 October 2024 }}</ref>

On 14 March 2023, Scholz met with Azerbaijani President [[Ilham Aliyev]] in Berlin. They discussed the [[Southern Gas Corridor|export of natural gas from Azerbaijan]] to Germany and the European Union. Scholz said that "Azerbaijan is becoming an increasingly important partner for both Germany and the European Union" and stated that Germany does not recognize the Armenian separatist region of [[Nagorno-Karabakh]] as an independent republic.<ref>{{cite news |title=President Ilham Aliyev, Chancellor Olaf Scholz make joint press statement in Berlin [PHOTO/VIDEO] |url=https://www.azernews.az/nation/207512.html |work=AzerNews |date=14 March 2023 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=12 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712194729/https://www.azernews.az/nation/207512.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In early May 2023, Scholz met with Ethiopian Prime Minister [[Abiy Ahmed]] in Addis Ababa to normalize relations between Germany and [[Ethiopia]], which had been strained by the [[Tigray War]] between the Ethiopian government and rebels in [[Tigray Region|Tigray]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Sudan crisis hovers over Olaf Scholz's visit to East Africa |url=https://www.dw.com/en/sudan-crisis-hovers-over-olaf-scholzs-visit-to-east-africa/a-65491727 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=2 May 2023 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002143730/https://www.dw.com/en/sudan-crisis-hovers-over-olaf-scholzs-visit-to-east-africa/a-65491727 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In May 2023, Scholz called on all parties involved to resolve the [[Cyprus dispute]], which escalated after the [[Turkish invasion of Cyprus]] in 1974 and the subsequent unrecognized occupation of the northern part of the island. He indicated that his preferred solution would be a bizonal federation.<ref>{{cite news |title=German Chancellor calls for political courage from all parties involved in Cyprus problem |url=https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/news/local/german-chancellor-calls-for-political-courage-from-all-parties-involved-in-cyprus-problem/ |work=[[Phileleftheros]] |date=26 May 2023 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=1 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001042748/https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/news/local/german-chancellor-calls-for-political-courage-from-all-parties-involved-in-cyprus-problem/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv-Yafo, October 2023 (ABG 3943).jpg|thumb|Scholz with Israeli President [[Isaac Herzog]] in Tel Aviv, 17 October 2023]]
Scholz condemned [[Hamas]]' actions during the [[Gaza war]], expressed his support to [[Israel]], and began supporting the nation with [[Military aid|military]] and medical aid.<ref>{{cite news |title=Scholz: Germany has agreed with its partners that Israel has the right to self-defense |url=https://www.mtv.com.lb/en/News/Live_Feed/1393446/schulz--germany-has-agreed-with-its-partners-that-israel-has-the-right-to-self-defense |work=MTV Lebanon |date=10 October 2023 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002123213/https://www.mtv.com.lb/en/News/Live_Feed/1393446/schulz--germany-has-agreed-with-its-partners-that-israel-has-the-right-to-self-defense |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Sam |date=8 November 2023 |title=German arms exports to Israel surge as Berlin backs campaign against Hamas |url=https://www.ft.com/content/1a09622b-91cf-4527-a887-f8f328bd7cad |access-date=9 February 2024 |website=[[Financial Times]] |archive-date=16 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216194757/https://www.ft.com/content/1a09622b-91cf-4527-a887-f8f328bd7cad |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":11">{{Cite web |date=22 December 2023 |title=Germany stands firmly alongside Israel |url=https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-en/news/germany-stands-by-israel-and-is-seeking-to-bring-about-a-de-escalation-2228294 |access-date=12 February 2024 |work=Bundesregierung |language=en |quote=The Federal Government is also supporting Israel by providing military and medical equipment. |archive-date=15 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215011039/https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-en/news/germany-stands-by-israel-and-is-seeking-to-bring-about-a-de-escalation-2228294 |url-status=live }}</ref> He criticized the [[Palestinian National Authority|Palestinian Authority]] and Palestinian President [[Mahmoud Abbas]], saying that "their silence is shameful."<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany offers Israel military help and promises to crack down at home on support for Hamas |url=https://apnews.com/article/germany-scholz-israel-aid-hamas-b38a3cf34895fbfc0c966bb27413886f |work=AP News |date=12 October 2023 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=21 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021074250/https://apnews.com/article/germany-scholz-israel-aid-hamas-b38a3cf34895fbfc0c966bb27413886f |url-status=live }}</ref> On 17 October 2023, Scholz arrived in Israel and on the same day warned [[Iran]] and [[Hezbollah]] not to get involved in the war between Israel and [[Hamas]]. He said that "Germany and Israel are united by the fact that they are democratic constitutional states. Our actions are based on law and order, even in extreme situations."<ref>{{cite news |title=Olaf Scholz's plane evacuated on runway following rocket attack in Israel |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/scholzs-plane-evacuated-following-missile-alert-in-israel/ |work=Politico |date=18 October 2023 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=6 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506132743/https://www.politico.eu/article/scholzs-plane-evacuated-following-missile-alert-in-israel/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 12 November 2023, Scholz rejected calls for "an immediate ceasefire or long pause" in Israel's war against Hamas in [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]], saying it would "mean ultimately that Israel leaves Hamas the possibility of recovering and obtaining new missiles".<ref>{{cite news |title=German Chancellor Opposed To 'Immediate' Ceasefire In Gaza |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/german-chancellor-opposed-to-immediate-ceasefire-in-gaza-0739398a |work=Barron's |date=12 November 2023 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=10 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910035442/https://www.barrons.com/news/german-chancellor-opposed-to-immediate-ceasefire-in-gaza-0739398a |url-status=live }}</ref>

Speaking at the [[2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference|COP28 climate summit]] in [[Dubai]] in December 2023, Scholz called for a [[Fossil fuel phase-out|phase-out of fossil fuels]], including [[coal]], [[Petroleum|oil]] and [[natural gas]], and reiterated Germany's commitment to be climate neutral by 2045, saying, "The technologies are there: wind power, photovoltaics, electric motors, green hydrogen."<ref>{{cite news |title=COP28: Germany's Scholz calls to phase out coal, oil and gas |url=https://www.dw.com/en/cop28-germanys-scholz-calls-to-phase-out-coal-oil-and-gas/a-67614763 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=2 December 2023 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002143732/https://www.dw.com/en/cop28-germanys-scholz-calls-to-phase-out-coal-oil-and-gas/a-67614763 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In March 2024, Scholz confronted EU foreign policy chief [[Josep Borrell]] over his months-long criticism of Israel, saying Borrell did not speak for Germany.<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany's Scholz lashed out at EU foreign policy chief over Gaza stance |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/olaf-scholz-josep-borrell-benjamin-netanyahu-karl-nehammer-lashed-out-at-eu-foreign-policy-chief-on-gaza-stance/ |work=Politico |date=16 April 2024 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002123218/https://www.politico.eu/article/olaf-scholz-josep-borrell-benjamin-netanyahu-karl-nehammer-lashed-out-at-eu-foreign-policy-chief-on-gaza-stance/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 28 May 2024, Scholz said that his government has no plans to officially recognise a [[State of Palestine|Palestinian state]].<ref>{{cite news |title=German chancellor sees 'no reason' to recognize Palestinian state |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/german-chancellor-sees-no-reason-to-recognize-palestinian-state/3229530 |work=Anadolu Agency |date=24 May 2024 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002123213/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/german-chancellor-sees-no-reason-to-recognize-palestinian-state/3229530 |url-status=live }}</ref> 
[[File:EU @ the G7 Summit 2024 - Roundtable Africa, climate change and development (03).jpg|thumb|Scholz with [[Justin Trudeau]], [[Giorgia Meloni]], [[Rishi Sunak]] and other leaders at the [[50th G7 summit]] in Italy, 13 June 2024]] 
In May 2024, Scholz criticized planned [[China–European Union relations|EU tariffs]] on imports of Chinese [[electric vehicle]]s, saying, "I would like to point out that currently 50% of electric vehicle imports from China in fact come from Western brands that produce vehicles there."<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany's Scholz skeptical about EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/germany-s-scholz-skeptical-about-eu-tariffs-on-chinese-electric-vehicle-imports/3219491 |work=Anadolu Agency |date=14 May 2024 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=11 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711072704/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/germany-s-scholz-skeptical-about-eu-tariffs-on-chinese-electric-vehicle-imports/3219491 |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2024, Scholz praised [[Volkswagen Group|Volkswagen AG]]'s move to develop cheaper [[electric car]]s for the European market.<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany's Scholz Lauds VW's Move Into Cheap EVs as 'Very Good' |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-06-02/electric-vehicles-germany-s-scholz-praises-vw-move-on-cheap-evs |work=Bloomberg |date=2 June 2024 |access-date=2 October 2024 }}</ref>

In June 2024, Scholz welcomed Argentine President [[Javier Milei]] in Berlin. Scholz and Milei expressed support for the [[EU-Mercosur Association Agreement|EU–Mercosur free trade agreement]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Scholz, Milei Demand Swift Deal on EU-Mercosur Free Trade Pact |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-06-23/scholz-milei-demand-swift-deal-on-eu-mercosur-free-trade-pact |work=Bloomberg |date=23 June 2023 |access-date=2 October 2024 }}</ref> Scholz criticized European Union's trade policy and called on Brussels to speed up negotiations on [[free trade]] agreements.<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany's Scholz blasts EU for failure to do trade deals |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-olaf-scholz-condemns-eu-trade-deals-policy-brussels/ |work=Politico |date=26 June 2024 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=27 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927020908/https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-olaf-scholz-condemns-eu-trade-deals-policy-brussels/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Relationship with Poland====
{{Main|Germany–Poland relations}}
[[File:Mateusz Morawiecki spotkał się z kanclerzem-elektem Niemiec Olafem Scholzem w Berlinie (2021.11.25) 3.jpg|thumb|Scholz and Polish Prime Minister [[Mateusz Morawiecki|Morawiecki]] in 2021]]

In December 2021, Scholz rejected the Polish government's claim for further [[World War II reparations]].<ref>{{cite news |title=New Chancellor Meets Old Resentments. Polish PM Receives Olaf Scholz in Warsaw, Talks of War Reparations and a "Europe of Sovereign States" |url=https://wyborcza.pl/7,173236,27907258,new-chancellor-meets-old-resentments-polish-pm-receives-olaf.html?disableRedirects=true |work=[[Gazeta Wyborcza]] |date=13 December 2021 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=19 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219131423/https://wyborcza.pl/7,173236,27907258,new-chancellor-meets-old-resentments-polish-pm-receives-olaf.html?disableRedirects=true |url-status=live }}</ref> As a consequence of [[Nazi Germany|Nazi German]] and [[Soviet Union]] aggression in [[World War II]], Poland [[World War II casualties of Poland|lost about a fifth of its population]] and much of its industry and infrastructure was destroyed. As a compensation Poland was awarded large parts of eastern Germany at the [[Potsdam Conference]] in 1945,<ref>{{cite news |date=17 August 2021 |title=Poland's ruling party picks a fight with Germany |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/europe/2017/08/17/polands-ruling-party-picks-a-fight-with-germany |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=1 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001140152/https://www.economist.com/europe/2017/08/17/polands-ruling-party-picks-a-fight-with-germany |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2 August 2017 |title=Zweiter Weltkrieg: Polens Regierung prüft Reparationsforderungen an Deutschland |work=DIE WELT |url=https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/article167319391/Polens-Regierung-prueft-Reparationsforderungen-an-Deutschland.html |access-date=30 November 2017 |archive-date=29 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329075051/https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/article167319391/Polens-Regierung-prueft-Reparationsforderungen-an-Deutschland.html |url-status=live }}</ref> with Germany finally renouncing its claims to these territories{{snd}}including [[East Prussia]], most of [[Silesia]], as well as the eastern parts of [[Brandenburg]] and [[Pomerania]]{{snd}}in the [[Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany|Two Plus Four Agreement]] in 1990. According to the German government, there is no legal basis for further compensation payments.<ref name="politico-2021">{{Cite web|title=Leaders of Poland, Germany call for 'swift' solution to Warsaw's rule of law row with EU|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/scholz-morawiecki-poland-rule-of-law-conflict/|website=Politico|date=13 December 2021|language=en-US|access-date=2 October 2024|archive-date=21 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221205620/https://www.politico.eu/article/scholz-morawiecki-poland-rule-of-law-conflict/|url-status=live}}</ref> In a meeting with Polish Prime Minister [[Mateusz Morawiecki]], Scholz said "We have concluded treaties that are valid and have settled the past issues and the compensation".<ref name="politico-2021"/> Scholz also pointed out that Germany "continues to be willing to pay very, very high contributions to the EU budget", from which Poland has benefited considerably since its accession to the EU.<ref name="politico-2021"/>

====Russian invasion of Ukraine====
{{Main|Russian invasion of Ukraine}}
[[File:Putin-Scholz meeting.jpg|thumb|Scholz and [[Vladimir Putin|Putin]] in Moscow on 15 February 2022]] 
In January 2022, ''[[The New York Times]]'' reported intensifying concerns from the US and other NATO allies about the Scholz government's "evident hesitation to take forceful measures" against Russia in the [[Prelude to the Russian invasion of Ukraine|run-up to its invasion of Ukraine]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bennhold|first=Katrin|date=25 January 2022|title=Where Is Germany in the Ukraine Standoff? Its Allies Wonder.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/25/world/europe/germany-russia-nato-ukraine.html|access-date=26 January 2022|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=13 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413180202/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/25/world/europe/germany-russia-nato-ukraine.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Scholz government initially refused to send weapons to [[Ukraine]], citing existing German policy and financial support for the Eastern European country.<ref name=bbc20>{{Cite news|date=28 January 2022|title=Why Germany isn't sending weapons to Ukraine|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60155002|access-date=30 January 2022|archive-date=29 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129151216/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60155002|url-status=live}}</ref> As late as 15 February, Scholz was quoted by [[TASS]] as saying "the way out of the crisis in Ukraine is to implement the [[Steinmeier formula]]", a mechanism of granting a special status to the Donbas.<ref name="tass15">{{cite news |title=Way out of crisis in Ukraine is implementation of Steinmeier formula — Scholz |url=https://tass.com/world/1403949 |publisher=TASS |date=15 February 2022 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=25 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325170540/https://tass.com/world/1403949 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 26 February, following the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]], Scholz reversed his decision and pledged a supply of [[anti-tank weapons]] and [[FIM-92 Stinger|Stinger]] missiles to Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite news|date=26 February 2022|title=Russia Ukraine news Live: Street fighting begins in Kyiv|language=en-GB|work=Marca|url=https://www.marca.com/en/lifestyle/world-news/2022/02/26/6219f7f146163fe5598b45fe.html|access-date=26 February 2022|archive-date=22 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422225531/https://www.marca.com/en/lifestyle/world-news/2022/02/26/6219f7f146163fe5598b45fe.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Before the 24 February [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]], Scholz rejected Ukraine's demands for weapons deliveries on 6 February, saying Germany "has for many years taken the clear stance that we do not deliver to crisis regions".<ref name=dwf6>{{cite news |title=Fact check: Does Germany send weapons to crisis regions? |url=https://www.dw.com/en/fact-check-does-germany-send-weapons-to-crisis-regions/a-60701220 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=6 February 2022 |access-date=14 May 2022 |archive-date=11 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511001851/https://www.dw.com/en/fact-check-does-germany-send-weapons-to-crisis-regions/a-60701220 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Russian invasion drastically changed German policy with regard to defense spending, aiding Ukraine and the nation's energy security.

Scholz greatly increased [[List of countries by military expenditures|German defense expenditure]]. Three days after the invasion started, he announced in the [[Zeitenwende speech]] the creation of a one-off {{Euro|100B}} fund for the [[Bundeswehr]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Putin Accidentally Started a Revolution in Germany |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/02/27/putin-war-ukraine-germany-scholz-revolution/ |work=FP |date=27 February 2022 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=9 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709035850/https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/02/27/putin-war-ukraine-germany-scholz-revolution/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This represented a major shift in German foreign policy, as Germany had long refused to meet the required spending of 2% of its GDP on defense, as is required by NATO.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 February 2022 |title=Experts React: What's behind Germany's stunning foreign-policy shift? |url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/experts-react-whats-behind-germanys-stunning-foreign-policy-shift/ |access-date=31 March 2022 |website=Atlantic Council |language=en-US |archive-date=2 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002143733/https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/experts-react-whats-behind-germanys-stunning-foreign-policy-shift/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition to increasing defense spending for his own country, in an address to Germany's parliament on 23 March, Scholz emphasized support for aiding Ukraine in its resistance to Russian invasion.<ref name="dw.com">{{cite news |title=Germany: Chancellor Scholz vows to help Ukraine in speech to parliament |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-chancellor-scholz-vows-to-help-ukraine-in-speech-to-parliament/a-61227132 |work=DW |date=23 March 2022 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002123753/https://www.dw.com/en/germany-chancellor-scholz-vows-to-help-ukraine-in-speech-to-parliament/a-61227132 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Зустріч Президента України з президентами Франції та Румунії, а також головами урядів Німеччини та Італії 69.jpg|thumb|Scholz and [[Emmanuel Macron|Macron]] visit Kyiv on 16 June 2022]]
With regard to supporting Ukraine and taking action against Russia, Scholz was trailing behind others. On 26 February 2022, he was the last of several EU leaders to continue opposition against kicking Russia out of the [[SWIFT]] international payment system.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pressure mounts on Germany to drop rejection of SWIFT ban for Russia |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/pressure-on-germany-to-drop-opposition-to-russia-swift-ban-ukraine-war/ |last=Von Der Burchard |first=Hans |date=26 February 2022 |access-date=14 April 2022 |work=[[Politico]] |archive-date=2 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002123757/https://www.politico.eu/article/pressure-on-germany-to-drop-opposition-to-russia-swift-ban-ukraine-war/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, Germany did send some effective weapons to Ukraine. By 17 March about 2,000 portable missile weapons against tanks and aircraft had been sent.<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 March 2022 |title=Europe is 'behind a wall again,' Zelenskyy tells Bundestag |language=en-US |work=Deutsche Welle |url=https://www.dw.com/en/europe-is-behind-a-wall-again-zelenskyy-tells-bundestag/a-61156127 |access-date=14 January 2023 |archive-date=14 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114141012/https://www.dw.com/en/europe-is-behind-a-wall-again-zelenskyy-tells-bundestag/a-61156127 |url-status=live }}</ref> In his 23 March speech, Scholz claimed that Germany would "try everything we can until peace prevails again on our continent" including taking hundreds of thousands of [[2022 Ukrainian refugee crisis|Ukrainian refugees]] across German borders.<ref name="dw.com"/> Like most other NATO leaders, he declined to impose a no-fly zone, as that would probably draw NATO into a direct military conflict with Russia.<ref name="dw.com"/>

Apart from increasing defense spending and aiding Ukraine, the invasion also highlighted the dangers of relying on Russian gas. By 3 March 2022, Scholz had announced plans to build two new LNG terminals.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wrede |first=Insa |title=Does Germany really need LNG terminals? |url=https://www.dw.com/en/does-germany-really-need-lng-terminals/a-61005220 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=3 March 2022 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002123755/https://www.dw.com/en/does-germany-really-need-lng-terminals/a-61005220 |url-status=live }}</ref> Economy minister Habeck then visited Norway and on 19 March [[Qatar]], one of the world's largest exporters of [[liquefied natural gas]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany goes on a mission to secure supplies of Qatari gas |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy/news/germany-goes-on-a-mission-to-secure-supplies-of-qatari-gas/ |work=Euractiv |date=21 March 2022 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=25 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725195732/https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy/news/germany-goes-on-a-mission-to-secure-supplies-of-qatari-gas/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=German minister heads to Qatar to seek gas alternatives |url=https://www.dw.com/en/german-minister-heads-to-qatar-to-seek-gas-alternatives/a-61184188 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=19 March 2022 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=8 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608005348/https://www.dw.com/en/german-minister-heads-to-qatar-to-seek-gas-alternatives/a-61184188 |url-status=live }}</ref> Here he signed a long term agreement about importing Qatari gas.<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany Signs Energy Deal With Qatar As It Seeks To reduce Reliance On Russian Supplies |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/germany-qatar-russian-gas-partnership-ukraine/31762093.html |work=[[Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty]] |date=20 March 2022 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=26 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526055714/https://www.rferl.org/a/germany-qatar-russian-gas-partnership-ukraine/31762093.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Amid pressure to prohibit Russian gas imports across Europe, Scholz still refused to end [[Russia in the European energy sector|German imports of Russian gas]] in the first days of April.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bennhold |first=Katrin |date=6 April 2022 |title=The End of the (Pipe)line? Germany Scrambles to Wean Itself Off Russian Gas |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/06/world/europe/germany-gas-russia-ukraine.html |access-date=7 April 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=7 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407014108/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/06/world/europe/germany-gas-russia-ukraine.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A few days later, he said Germany was working on ending the import of Russian energy.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/08/germany-russian-gas-imports-olaf-scholz-boris-johnson-ukraine |title=Germany will stop importing Russian gas 'very soon', says Olaf Scholz |last=Wintour |first=Patrick |newspaper=The Guardian |date=9 April 2022 |access-date=11 April 2022 |archive-date=2 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002123758/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/08/germany-russian-gas-imports-olaf-scholz-boris-johnson-ukraine |url-status=live }}</ref> He opposed a reversal of Germany's scheduled end to [[Nuclear power in Germany|nuclear power]], saying the technical challenges were too great.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 April 2022 |title=Scholz Shoots Down Appeal to Reverse Germany's Nuclear Exit |work=Bloomberg News |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-04-06/scholz-shoots-down-appeal-to-reverse-germany-s-nuclear-exit |last1=Nienaber |first1=Michael |last2=Delfs |first2=Arne |access-date=11 April 2022 }}</ref>

[[File:Prime minister Rishi Sunak attends the NATO Summit in Lithunia (53041237495).jpg|thumb|Scholz at the [[2023 Vilnius summit|NATO Summit in Vilnius]] on 12 July 2023]]

In early April 2022 news of the [[Bucha massacre]] shocked public opinion in Europe. On 6 April [[Guy Verhofstadt]] got a lot of attention with a passionate speech about Ukraine before the European parliament. He ended it by accusing the German government of "dragging its feet" with regard to taking action against Russia.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kaonga |first=Gerrard |date=7 April 2022 |title=European Lawmaker Berates EU Strategy Against Putin in Viral Video |language=en-US |work=Newsweek |url=https://www.newsweek.com/eu-strategy-vladimir-putin-viral-video-guy-vehofstadt-speech-european-union-1695927 |access-date=14 January 2023 |archive-date=2 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002123756/https://www.newsweek.com/eu-strategy-vladimir-putin-viral-video-guy-vehofstadt-speech-european-union-1695927 |url-status=live }}</ref> That same month, Germany policy changed and the chancellor avowed that Germany would provide Ukraine with more than {{Euro|1B}} to spend on military resources.<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany to Provide Over 1 Billion Euros' Military Aid to Ukraine |url=https://www.thedefensepost.com/2022/04/17/germany-military-aid-ukraine/ |work=Defense News |date=17 April 2022 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=26 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226222401/https://www.thedefensepost.com/2022/04/17/germany-military-aid-ukraine/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Scholz rejected a plan made by [[Vice-Chancellor of Germany|Vice Chancellor]] and Economy Minister [[Robert Habeck]] and Foreign Minister [[Annalena Baerbock]] to deliver 100 [[Marder (infantry fighting vehicle)|Marder]] [[Infantry fighting vehicle]]s from German stocks to Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite news |title='Disgrace' German Chancellor slammed over delay in sending high-end tanks to Ukraine |url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1593024/Olaf-Scholz-germany-tanks-ukraine-russia-ont |last=Saxena |first=Astha |date=8 April 2022 |access-date=14 April 2022 |work=[[Daily Express]] |archive-date=2 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002144222/https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1593024/Olaf-Scholz-germany-tanks-ukraine-russia-ont |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Von der Burchard |first=Hans |date=7 April 2022 |title=Scholz holds up German tank deliveries to Ukraine |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/scholz-holds-up-german-tank-delivery-to-ukraine/ |access-date=16 June 2024 |website=POLITICO |language=en-GB |archive-date=26 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926115154/https://www.politico.eu/article/scholz-holds-up-german-tank-delivery-to-ukraine/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

From May 2022, the aid to Ukraine became increasingly significant. The rhetoric of the chancellor also began to change. On 9 May 2022, Scholz said that [[Russians]] and [[Ukrainians]] once fought together during [[Eastern Front (World War II)|World War II]] against [[Nazi Germany]]'s "murderous National Socialist regime", but now "Putin wants to overthrow Ukraine and destroy its culture and identity... [and] even regards his barbaric war of aggression as being on a par with the fight against National Socialism. That is a falsification of history and a disgraceful distortion."<ref>{{cite news |title=Olaf Scholz: Ukraine won't accept Russian dictatorship |url=https://www.dw.com/en/olaf-scholz-ukraine-wont-accept-russian-dictatorship/a-61724145 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=8 May 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230827201606/https://www.dw.com/en/olaf-scholz-ukraine-wont-accept-russian-dictatorship/a-61724145 |archive-date= 27 August 2023 }}</ref> On 16 June 2022, Scholz visited the Ukrainian Capital, [[Kyiv]], alongside French President [[Emmanuel Macron]] and Italian Prime Minister [[Mario Draghi]] to meet President [[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]]. They talked about various issues such as the [[Russo-Ukrainian War|war in Ukraine]] and [[Accession of Ukraine to the European Union|Ukraine's membership into the EU]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Kinkartz |first1=Sabine |last2=Hasselbach |first2=Christoph |date=14 June 2022 |title=Germany's Olaf Scholz expected to visit Ukraine |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-olaf-scholz-expected-to-visit-ukraine/a-62119507 |access-date=16 June 2022 |website=DW |language=en-GB |archive-date=16 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616040505/https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-olaf-scholz-expected-to-visit-ukraine/a-62119507 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=16 June 2022 |title=Macron, Scholz and Draghi meet Zelenskyy in Kyiv during historic visit |first1=Jules |last1=Darmanin |first2=Clea |last2=Caulcutt |first3=Christopher |last3=Miller |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/macron-scholz-draghi-kyiv-visit-zelenskyy-ukraine/ |access-date=16 June 2022 |website=POLITICO |language=en-US |archive-date=16 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616055810/https://www.politico.eu/article/macron-scholz-draghi-kyiv-visit-zelenskyy-ukraine/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This comes as a reverse of his previous stance to not visit Ukraine, after Zelensky rebuked the German President, [[Frank-Walter Steinmeier]] over his contribution to stronger Moscow-Berlin ties.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Pietsch|first1=Bryan|title=German chancellor rejects Kyiv visit — but his main rival is set to go |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/05/03/germany-olaf-scholz-ukraine-zelensky-steinmeier/ |url-access=subscription |date=3 May 2022 |access-date=16 June 2022 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 May 2022 |title=German opposition leader visits Kyiv, Scholz refuses to go |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-berlin-europe-frank-walter-steinmeier-8326c96415f84f688f5a57e511daa941 |access-date=16 June 2022 |website=AP NEWS |language=en |archive-date=16 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616040914/https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-berlin-europe-frank-walter-steinmeier-8326c96415f84f688f5a57e511daa941 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Map international trips German chancellor Olaf Scholz.svg|thumb|International trips by Olaf Scholz: {{Legend|#000000|Germany}}{{Legend|#D1EEFC|1 visit}}{{Legend|#A6D8F6|2 visits}}{{Legend|#7BBBF2|3 to 7 visits}}{{Legend|#0069B4|8 to 10 visits}}{{Legend|#003B76|11 and more visits}}{{Legend|#c0c0c0|No known visits}}]]
By 1 September 2022, the actual volume of [[List of military aid to Ukraine during the Russo-Ukrainian War|German arms deliveries to Ukraine]] was only exceeded by that of deliveries by the United States and the United Kingdom.<ref name="Mitzer-2022">{{Cite web |last1=Mitzer |first1=Stijn |last2=Oliemans |first2=Joost |date=1 September 2022 |title=Fact Sheet On German Military Aid To Ukraine |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/09/fact-sheet-on-german-military-aid-to.html |access-date=20 January 2023 |website=Oryx |language=en |archive-date=2 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902003212/https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/09/fact-sheet-on-german-military-aid-to.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The verdict was that, "based on these statistics, Berlin had ultimately positioned itself as a reliable partner of Ukraine."<ref name="Mitzer-2022" /> However, it "could also be argued that Berlin's communication to affirm its Ukraine stance and explain its foreign policy goals had been nothing short of an unmitigated disaster".<ref name="Mitzer-2022" />

In January 2023, Scholz announced the decision to send [[Leopard 2]] battle tanks to Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news |title=Scholz defends decision to send battle tanks to Ukraine |url=https://www.dw.com/en/german-chancellor-olaf-scholz-defends-decision-to-send-battle-tanks-to-ukraine/a-64509633 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=25 January 2024 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=15 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915210544/https://www.dw.com/en/german-chancellor-olaf-scholz-defends-decision-to-send-battle-tanks-to-ukraine/a-64509633 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In May 2024, Scholz gave Ukraine permission to [[Attacks in Russia during the Russian invasion of Ukraine|strike targets inside Russia]] with German-supplied weapons.<ref>{{cite news |title=Berlin allows Ukraine to fire German weapons at targets in Russia |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2024/05/31/berlin-allows-ukraine-to-fire-german-weapons-at-targets-in-russia_6673279_4.html |work=[[Le Monde]] |date=31 May 2024 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=12 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812095641/https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2024/05/31/berlin-allows-ukraine-to-fire-german-weapons-at-targets-in-russia_6673279_4.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In July 2024, Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]] warned of a [[Cold War]]-style missile crisis and threatened to deploy [[Ballistic missiles|long-range missiles]] within striking distance of the West after the United States announced its intention to deploy long-range missiles in Germany starting in 2026 that could hit Russian territory within 10 minutes. US weapons in Germany would include [[RIM-174 Standard ERAM|SM-6]] and [[Tomahawk (missile family)|Tomahawk]] cruise missiles and developmental [[Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon|hypersonic weapons]].<ref name="guardian-missiles">{{cite news |title=Putin warns US against deploying long-range missiles in Germany |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/28/putin-warns-us-against-deploying-long-range-missiles-in-germany |work=The Guardian |date=28 July 2024 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002143735/https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/28/putin-warns-us-against-deploying-long-range-missiles-in-germany |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=A new arms race in Europe? US long-range weapons in Germany |url=https://www.dw.com/en/a-new-arms-race-in-europe-us-long-range-weapons-in-germany/a-69648733 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=13 July 2024 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=1 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001221716/https://www.dw.com/en/a-new-arms-race-in-europe-us-long-range-weapons-in-germany/a-69648733 |url-status=live }}</ref> Scholz supported the decision to place US long-range missiles in Germany,<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany's Scholz under friendly fire over US missile plan |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/olaf-scholz-germany-american-long-range-missiles-social-democratic-party-bundestag-russia/ |work=Politico |date=31 July 2024 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=26 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926022350/https://www.politico.eu/article/olaf-scholz-germany-american-long-range-missiles-social-democratic-party-bundestag-russia/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but his government's move was criticized by the political opposition as well as within Scholz's coalition.<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany split on US stationing long-range cruise missiles |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-split-on-us-stationing-long-range-cruise-missiles/a-69638145 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=11 July 2024 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=28 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928145803/https://www.dw.com/en/germany-split-on-us-stationing-long-range-cruise-missiles/a-69638145 |url-status=live }}</ref> Critics say the move would trigger a new [[arms race]]. Biden and Scholz's plan to deploy long-range missiles in Germany has been compared to the deployment of [[Pershing II]] launchers in Western Europe in 1979.<ref>{{cite news |title=Russia says US missiles in Germany signal return of Cold War |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/11/russia-says-us-missiles-in-germany-signal-return-of-cold-war |work=Al Jazeera |date=11 July 2024 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002123752/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/11/russia-says-us-missiles-in-germany-signal-return-of-cold-war |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="guardian-missiles"/>

In a phone call in November 2024, Scholz urged Putin to withdraw his forces from Ukraine and begin talks aiming at a "just and lasting peace". The call was sharply criticized by Zelenskyy, who considered it as undermining efforts to isolate Putin. Several European officials were said to have cautioned Scholz against the move.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Escritt |first1=Thomas |last2=Rinke |first2=Andreas |date=15 November 2024 |title=Germany's Scholz calls Putin, ending Western isolation over Ukraine |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germanys-scholz-russias-putin-hold-phone-call-friday-bloomberg-reports-2024-11-15/ |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=[[Reuters]]}}</ref>
[[File:Prime Minister Keir Starmer attends Quad meeting in Germany (54075588106).jpg|thumb|Scholz with Biden, [[Keir Starmer]] and [[Emmanuel Macron]] on 18 October 2024]]

===Domestic policy===
On 6 November 2024, Scholz removed Finance Minister [[Christian Lindner]] from his position, citing loss of trust. Lindner's removal led to the collapse of the [[German governing coalition|governing coalition]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7v3r046pzzo | title=German coalition collapses after Scholz fires key minister | date=7 November 2024 |work=BBC}}</ref> The government crisis was complicated by the fact that the German economy entered its [[German economic crisis (2022–present)|second consecutive year of recession]].<ref>{{cite news |title=German government crisis: Businesses demand economic fixes |url=https://www.dw.com/en/german-coalition-government-collapse-olaf-scholz-demands-for-economic-growth-v2/a-70729251 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=7 November 2024}}</ref> Germany also faced a severe housing crisis in 2024, leading Scholz to describe housing as Germany's most pressing social issue.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pieper |first=Oliver |date=16 April 2024 |title=German housing crisis: 'Like winning the lottery!' |url=https://www.dw.com/en/german-housing-crisis-finding-a-home-like-winning-the-lottery/a-68840785 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009001207/https://www.dw.com/en/german-housing-crisis-finding-a-home-like-winning-the-lottery/a-68840785 |archive-date=9 October 2024 |access-date=12 October 2024 |website=[[Deutsche Welle]] |language=en}}</ref>

In October 2024, Scholz warned of the [[deindustrialization]] of Germany.<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany must forge new policy to save its industry, says Scholz |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/scholz-must-forge-new-policy-save-german-industry-2024-10-16/ |work=Reuters |date=16 October 2024}}</ref> In December 2024, Scholz criticized [[Volkswagen Group|Volkswagen]]'s plan to close factories in Germany.<ref>{{cite news |title=Volkswagen plant closures 'not the right way', Germany's Scholz says |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/volkswagen-plant-closures-not-right-way-germanys-scholz-says-2024-12-07/ |work=Reuters |date=7 December 2024}}</ref> He proposed a European [[Government incentives for plug-in electric vehicles|subsidy programme]] for electric vehicles.<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany's Scholz calls for Europe EV subsidy plan |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20241210-germany-s-scholz-calls-for-europe-ev-subsidy-plan |work=France 24 |date=10 December 2024}}</ref> He also pledged support for the German steel industry, which was facing high [[Energy in Germany|energy costs]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Scholz promises help for steel industy, urges EU action |url=https://www.dw.com/en/scholz-promises-help-for-steel-industy-urges-eu-action/a-71007459 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=9 December 2024}}</ref>

In September 2024, pollster [[Infratest dimap]] found that Scholz's approval rating was 18%, one of the lowest ever recorded by a German chancellor.<ref>{{cite news |title=Not-so-well-liked: Who are Europe's most unpopular leaders? |url=https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/09/17/not-so-well-liked-who-are-europes-most-unpopular-leaders |work=Euronews |date=17 September 2024}}</ref>

====COVID-19 vaccine mandate====
During his campaign in the 2021 election, Scholz opposed a [[COVID-19 vaccine]] mandate. Since late November 2021, he has expressed support for mandatory vaccination for adults, scheduled to be voted during the first months of 2022 by the federal parliament, and for the closure of non-essential retail stores to unvaccinated adults, based on the [[2G-Regel]], decreed by state governments in December 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2 December 2021|title=2G und Impfen: Das sind die neuen Maßnahmen|language=de|trans-title=2G and vaccination: these are the new measures|work=[[ZDF]]|url=https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/politik/corona-regeln-mpk-bund-laender-100.html|access-date=27 December 2021|archive-date=30 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211230200642/https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/politik/corona-regeln-mpk-bund-laender-100.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=24 December 2021|title=Wegen Omikron: Bald auch strengere Corona-Regeln für Geimpfte|language=de|trans-title=Because of Omicron: Stricter corona rules soon also for vaccinated|work=[[Norddeutscher Rundfunk|NDR]]|url=https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/info/bundlaenderberatungen100_page-3.html|access-date=27 December 2021|archive-date=26 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226071233/https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/info/bundlaenderberatungen100_page-3.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2 December 2021|title=Corona-Gipfel: Olaf Scholz will jetzt drastisch reagieren|language=de|trans-title=Corona Summit: Olaf Scholz wants to react dramatically|work=[[T-Online]]|url=https://www.t-online.de/nachrichten/deutschland/id_91248972/corona-gipfel-olaf-scholz-will-jetzt-drastisch-reagieren-.html|access-date=27 December 2021|archive-date=26 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226071227/https://www.t-online.de/nachrichten/deutschland/id_91248972/corona-gipfel-olaf-scholz-will-jetzt-drastisch-reagieren-.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=30 November 2021|title=Olaf Scholz für generelle Corona-Impfpflicht und 2G im Einzelhandel|language=de|trans-title=Olaf Scholz for general corona vaccinations and 2G in retail|work=[[RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland|RND]]|url=https://www.rnd.de/politik/olaf-scholz-fuer-generelle-corona-impfpflicht-und-2g-im-einzelhandel-SSMPCTBM6JDURLTOB5HU7LATAA.html|access-date=27 December 2021|archive-date=2 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002143733/https://www.rnd.de/politik/olaf-scholz-fuer-generelle-corona-impfpflicht-und-2g-im-einzelhandel-SSMPCTBM6JDURLTOB5HU7LATAA.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=1 December 2021|title=Nächster Corona-Hammer droht: Scholz will 2G-Pflicht beim Einkaufen|language=de|trans-title=Nearest Corona Hammer threatens: Scholz wants 2G duty when shopping|work=[[Münchner Merkur|Merkur.de]]|url=https://www.merkur.de/verbraucher/corona-regeln-2g-einkaufen-pflicht-droht-scholz-zyx-zr-91151057.html |first1=Tobias |last1=Becker |access-date=27 December 2021|archive-date=26 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226071225/https://www.merkur.de/verbraucher/corona-regeln-2g-einkaufen-pflicht-droht-scholz-zyx-zr-91151057.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 13 January 2022, Scholz told lawmakers in the [[Bundestag]] that Germany should make COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for all adults.<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 January 2022 |title=Germany's Scholz urges compulsory COVID-19 jabs for all adults |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-politics-scholz-mandatory-vac-idUSKBN2JM1HS |first1=Joseph |last1=Nasr |first2=Riham |last2=Alkousaa |access-date=21 February 2022 |archive-date=26 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326040821/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-politics-scholz-mandatory-vac-idUSKBN2JM1HS |url-status=live }}</ref> Later that month, he warned that the [[coronavirus]] would not "miraculously" disappear, and said Germany would not be able to get out of the pandemic without compulsory vaccinations.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Oelofse|first=Louis|title=German Chancellor Olaf Scholz eyes COVID vaccine mandate|date=23 January 2022|url=https://www.dw.com/en/german-chancellor-olaf-scholz-eyes-covid-vaccine-mandate/a-60531098|access-date=21 February 2022|website=DW|language=en-GB|archive-date=17 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417003617/https://www.dw.com/en/german-chancellor-olaf-scholz-eyes-covid-vaccine-mandate/a-60531098|url-status=live}}</ref> The opposition [[Christian Democratic Union of Germany|Christian Democratic Union]] criticized the government for not taking a firm decision on a [[Vaccination policy|vaccine mandate]]. The far-right [[Alternative for Germany]] party wanted Scholz's government to ban vaccine mandates.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Staiano-Daniels|first=Lucian|title=The Far-Right Has Turned East Germans Against Vaccines|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/02/12/germany-vaccines-soviets-afd/|access-date=21 February 2022|website=Foreign Policy|date=12 February 2022|language=en-US|archive-date=21 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221154849/https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/02/12/germany-vaccines-soviets-afd/|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Immigration policy====
In December 2021, Scholz said that Germany was a country of immigration and pledged to reduce barriers to [[immigration to Germany]] and make it easier for immigrants to obtain German citizenship.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chancellor Scholz briefs parliament for first time |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-new-chancellor-olaf-scholz-briefs-bundestag-for-the-first-time/a-60124735 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=15 December 2024 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002124308/https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-new-chancellor-olaf-scholz-briefs-bundestag-for-the-first-time/a-60124735 |url-status=live }}</ref> 352,000 people applied for asylum in Germany in 2023, the highest number since 2016, when 722,370 people applied for asylum. People from Ukraine are not included among asylum seekers. Most asylum seekers in 2023 were from [[Turkey]], [[Syria]] and [[Afghanistan]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany: Asylum applications rose sharply in 2023 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-asylum-applications-rose-sharply-in-2023/a-67928269 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=9 January 2024 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=6 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906030650/https://www.dw.com/en/germany-asylum-applications-rose-sharply-in-2023/a-67928269 |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2023, more than 120 boats carrying approximately 7,000 migrants from Africa arrived on the island of [[Lampedusa]] within 24 hours.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 September 2023 |title=What's behind the surge in migrant arrivals to Italy? |url=https://apnews.com/article/migration-italy-lampedusa-3b47cdacb91c2d72f99b11aa396a6d59 |access-date=16 September 2023 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=18 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918093328/https://apnews.com/article/migration-italy-lampedusa-3b47cdacb91c2d72f99b11aa396a6d59 |url-status=live }}</ref> Some of the migrants were relocated to Germany.<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany agrees to accept some migrants from Italy amid Lampedusa crisis |url=https://tvpworld.com/72767469/germany-agrees-to-accept-some-migrants-from-italy-amid-lampedusa-crisis |work=Telewizja Polska |date=16 September 2023 }}{{Dead link|date=January 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

In 2023, 1,933,000 people immigrated to Germany, including 276,000 from Ukraine and 126,000 from Turkey, while 1,270,000 people emigrated. Net immigration to Germany was 663,000 in 2023, down from a record 1,462,000 in 2022.<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany: Net immigration sinks sharply in 2023 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-net-immigration-sinks-sharply-in-2023/a-69489487 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=27 June 2024 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002124305/https://www.dw.com/en/germany-net-immigration-sinks-sharply-in-2023/a-69489487 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2022, Scholz stated that Russian deserters and draft evaders who refused to take part in the Russian invasion of Ukraine should be protected in Germany. However, in 2024, German authorities ordered the deportation of Russian nationals who wanted to avoid [[2022 Russian mobilization|mobilization]] and criticized Putin's government on the grounds that they would not face [[Human rights in Russia|persecution]] in Russia.<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany: No asylum for Russian draft dodgers? |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-no-asylum-for-russian-draft-dodgers/a-68863537 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=19 April 2024 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=15 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915210544/https://www.dw.com/en/germany-no-asylum-for-russian-draft-dodgers/a-68863537 |url-status=live }}</ref>  On 11 September 2024, he declared that Germany must remain open to immigration to maintain economic growth, and also said that Germany would offer protection to those who are politically persecuted, telling opposition political parties that the issue is non-negotiable.{{efn |The right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution is a human right, as defined in article 14 of the [[Universal Declaration of Human Rights]] by the [[United Nations]] (UN).<ref “udhr">{{cite web |title=Universal Declaration of Human Rights |date=10 December 1948 |website=United Nations |url=https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights |access-date=3 October 2024 }}</ref> Germany became a full [[Germany and the United Nations|member of the UN on 18 September 1973]]. Furthermore, article 16a of the [[Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany|German constitution]] states that politically persecuted persons have the right to asylum ({{lang|de|Politisch Verfolgte genießen Asylrecht}}),<ref name="gg16a">{{cite web |title=Grundgesetz für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland: Art 16a |year=2024 |website=Bundesminister der Justiz, Bundesrepublik Deutschland |url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gg/art_16a.html |access-date=3 October 2024 }}</ref> and as Chancellor of Germany Scholz is sworn to "uphold and defend the constitution" ({{lang|de|"das Grundgesetz [...] wahren und verteidigen"}}),<ref name="gg56">{{cite web |title=Grundgesetz für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland: Art 56 |year=2024 |website=Bundesminister der Justiz, Bundesrepublik Deutschland |url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gg/art_56.html |access-date=3 October 2024 }}</ref> as set out in article 56 of that same constitution.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz leistet Amtseid im Bundestag |date=8 December 2021 |work=Spiegel |url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/bundestag-olaf-scholz-leistet-amtseid-als-bundeskanzler-a-c06bef1f-713e-4e4e-b1f6-d05daae17da2 |access-date=3 October 2024 }}</ref>}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Olaf Scholz stresses Germany's need for immigrants |url=https://www.dw.com/en/olaf-scholz-stresses-germanys-need-for-immigrants/a-70187337 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=11 September 2024 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=26 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926210034/https://www.dw.com/en/olaf-scholz-stresses-germanys-need-for-immigrants/a-70187337 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In August 2024, in response to a [[2024 Solingen stabbing|deadly attack in Solingen]] by a [[Syrians in Germany|Syrian]] asylum seeker, Scholz has called for stricter immigration measures and expedited deportations. The incident has reignited debates over migration policies in Germany ahead of upcoming regional elections.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=McGuinness |first1=Damien |date=26 August 2024 |title=Scholz vows to speed up deportations after Solingen stabbings |newspaper=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj081mrlm7eo |access-date=26 August 2024 |archive-date=26 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240826200404/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj081mrlm7eo |url-status=live }}</ref>

Scholz supports [[replacement migration]] to combat the decline and aging of Germany's population.<ref>{{cite news |title='Serious politics': Scholz backs government's migration policies |url=https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/09/11/serious-politics-scholz-backs-governments-migration-policies |work=Euronews |date=11 September 2024}}</ref> He said that Germany would have to accept 288,000 foreign workers every year.<ref>{{cite news |title=German chancellor praises 'well-integrated' immigrants in party meeting |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/german-chancellor-praises-well-integrated-immigrants-in-party-meeting/3409703 |work=[[Anadolu Agency]] |date=30 November 2024}}</ref> On 14 September 2024, Scholz and Kenyan President [[William Ruto]] signed an agreement that opened the German labour market to up to 250,000 skilled and semi-skilled [[Gastarbeiter|migrant workers]] from [[Kenya]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany opens its doors to Kenyan workers in controlled migration deal |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/14/europe/germany-kenyan-workers-migration-deal-intl/index.html |work=CNN |date=14 September 2024 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002124300/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/14/europe/germany-kenyan-workers-migration-deal-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> There are concerns about [[brain drain]] in Kenya, as professionals such as doctors and nurses could leave for better-paying jobs in Germany.<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany to welcome Kenyans in labour deal |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gegkkg14ko |work=BBC |date=14 September 2024 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=30 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930012314/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gegkkg14ko |url-status=live }}</ref> Scholz's government has already signed migration partnerships with several other countries,<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany begins recruiting 250,000 bus drivers, computer repairers from Kenya |url=https://gazettengr.com/germany-begins-recruiting-250000-bus-drivers-computer-repairers-from-kenya/ |work=[[Peoples Gazette]] |date=13 September 2024 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002124311/https://gazettengr.com/germany-begins-recruiting-250000-bus-drivers-computer-repairers-from-kenya/ |url-status=live }}</ref> including [[Morocco]], [[Uzbekistan]] and [[Nigeria]].<ref>{{cite news |title=How is Germany handling its migration partnerships? |url=https://www.dw.com/en/how-is-germany-handling-its-migration-partnerships/a-68206296 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=2 September 2024 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002124309/https://www.dw.com/en/how-is-germany-handling-its-migration-partnerships/a-68206296 |url-status=live }}</ref> Scholz and Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] agreed that Germany would accept 90,000 skilled workers from [[India]] each year.<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany promises India more visas for skilled workers |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-promises-india-more-visas-for-skilled-workers/a-70601884 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=25 October 2024}}</ref>

====Rearmament of Germany====
{{See also|2020s European rearmament|2025 German federal election#Debt brake agreement}}
During negotiations on the next German cabinet, Scholz and the presumptive German Chancellor [[Friedrich Merz]] reached an agreement to reform the [[Debt brake (Germany)|debt brake]] by changing sections of the [[Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany|Basic Law]] to exempt defense spending exceeding 1% of GDP.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Germany: Parties agree on historic debt deal – DW – 03/14/2025 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-parties-agree-on-historic-debt-deal/a-71922888 |access-date=18 March 2025 |website=dw.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318073349/https://www.dw.com/en/germany-parties-agree-on-historic-debt-deal/a-71922888 |archive-date=18 March 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref> Scholz also agreed to create a special fund of €500 billion for "investments in infrastructure and for additional investments to achieve climate neutrality by 2045".<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany approves huge investments with Green Party backing |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-passes-huge-spending-package-with-green-party-backing/a-71960695 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=18 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319180538/https://www.dw.com/en/germany-passes-huge-spending-package-with-green-party-backing/a-71960695 |archive-date=19 March 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2025, German lawmakers approved an [[German balanced budget amendment|amendment to the Basic Law]],<ref>{{cite news |title=German lawmakers approve huge defense and infrastructure spending |url=https://www.npr.org/2025/03/18/g-s1-54475/germany-defense-spending-merz-debt-brake-parliament |work=NPR |date=18 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318191516/https://www.npr.org/2025/03/18/g-s1-54475/germany-defense-spending-merz-debt-brake-parliament |archive-date=18 March 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref> allowing the German government to implement the most massive rearmament of Germany since [[World War II]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany's parliament backs incoming leader's plans for huge boost in defense spending, but can he deliver? |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/germany-defense-spending-friedrich-merz-trump-pressure-nato-ukraine-russia-war/ |work=CBS News |date=21 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322042519/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/germany-defense-spending-friedrich-merz-trump-pressure-nato-ukraine-russia-war/ |archive-date=22 March 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref> The spending package was approved before the [[21st Bundestag]] was constituted on 25 March 2025, where [[The Left (Germany)|The Left]] and [[Alternative for Germany|AfD]] would have the ability to block it.<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany's parliament passes historic package boosting defence spending |url=https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/03/18/germanys-parliament-passes-historic-package-boosting-defence-spending |work=Euronews |date=18 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318222111/https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/03/18/germanys-parliament-passes-historic-package-boosting-defence-spending |archive-date=18 March 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref> A two-thirds majority was required to change the German constitution.<ref>{{cite news |title=German parliament passes historic spending reforms |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-parliament-spending-reforms-defense-military-infrastructure-friedrich-merz/ |work=Politico |date=18 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319215319/https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-parliament-spending-reforms-defense-military-infrastructure-friedrich-merz/ |archive-date=19 March 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref> The plan was supported by the SPD, CDU, and the Greens.<ref>{{cite news |title=Fiscal 'bazooka' for defence, infrastructure approved by Germany MPs |url=https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250319-fiscal-bazooka-for-defence-infrastructure-approved-by-germany-mps |work=France 24 |date=19 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319101541/https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250319-fiscal-bazooka-for-defence-infrastructure-approved-by-germany-mps |archive-date=19 March 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===SPD chancellor candidate (2025)===
In November 2024, various SPD legislators and leading figures{{snd}}most prominently former party leader [[Sigmar Gabriel]]{{snd}}began publicly calling for [[Federal Ministry of Defence|defence minister]] [[Boris Pistorius]] to be designated the party's chancellor candidate owing to its and Scholz's poor polling.<ref>{{cite news |title=Scholz or Pistorius: Germany's SPD to discuss candidates|url=https://www.dw.com/en/scholz-or-pistorius-germanys-spd-to-discuss-candidates/a-70824568 |work=dw.com |date=19 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241125092229/https://www.dw.com/en/scholz-or-pistorius-germanys-spd-to-discuss-candidates/a-70824568 |archive-date=25 November 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> Polling for [[ARD (broadcaster)|ARD]] showed Pistorius as the most favourably viewed national politician: 60% of voters thought he would be a good chancellor, compared to 42% for Merz and 21% for Scholz.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Riesewieck |first1=Florian |title=ARD-DeutschlandTrend: Die SPD und die K-Frage: Pistorius vor Scholz |trans-title=ARD-DeutschlandTrend: The SPD and the K-question: Pistorius ahead of Scholz |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/deutschlandtrend/deutschlandtrend-3446.html |website=tagesschau.de |language=de |date=21 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241121170330/https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/deutschlandtrend/deutschlandtrend-3446.html |archive-date=21 November 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> In a video released on 21 November 2024, Pistorius ended what had become two weeks of public debate by disavowing any interest in running for chancellor and expressing his full support for Scholz.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pistorius wird nicht SPD-Kanzlerkandidat |trans-title=Pistorius will not be SPD candidate for chancellor |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/pistorius-verzicht-kanzlerkandidatur-spd-100.html |work=tagesschau.de |date=21 November 2024 |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241121190124/https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/pistorius-verzicht-kanzlerkandidatur-spd-100.html |archive-date=21 November 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> Such a protracted and public debate, and party leadership's apparent inability to quickly control or restrain it, was seen as embarrassing and damaging; [[Young Socialists in the SPD|Jusos]] president Philipp Türmer directly called out party leaders [[Saskia Esken]] and [[Lars Klingbeil]] for the "shitshow" at their national congress the following weekend. Nonetheless, Scholz was unanimously renominated as chancellor candidate by the party's executive, a group which includes Pistorius, on 25 November 2024.<ref>{{cite news |title=SPD: Olaf Scholz als Kanzlerkandidaten für Bundestagswahl 2025 nominiert |trans-title=SPD: Olaf Scholz nominated as candidate for chancellor for 2025 federal election |url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/spd-olaf-scholz-als-kanzlerkandidat-fuer-bundestagswahl-2025-nominiert-a-2a06a71b-4daf-4bf9-994b-092b07fc6cdb |work=Der Spiegel |date=25 November 2024 |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241125130500/https://www.spiegel.de/politik/spd-olaf-scholz-als-kanzlerkandidat-fuer-bundestagswahl-2025-nominiert-a-2a06a71b-4daf-4bf9-994b-092b07fc6cdb |archive-date=25 November 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> Scholz's nomination was confirmed at a party congress on 11 January 2025; as is usual for sitting chancellors, the vote was by [[acclamation]] rather than secret ballot and he received little opposition.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SPD-Bundesparteitag bestätigt Olaf Scholz als Kanzlerkandidaten |trans-title=SPD confirms Olaf Scholz as candidate for chancellor |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/bundestagswahl/scholz-kanzlerkandidatur-bestaetigt-100.html |access-date=11 January 2025 |website=tagesschau.de |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114223329/https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/bundestagswahl/scholz-kanzlerkandidatur-bestaetigt-100.html |archive-date=14 January 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 16 December 2024, Scholz lost a [[vote of confidence]] in the Bundestag, paving the way for [[2025 German federal election|elections to be held on 23 February 2025]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg36pp6dpyo | title=German Chancellor Olaf Scholz loses confidence vote | date=16 December 2024 |work=BBC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=22 November 2024 |title=Scholz is clear to seek a 2nd term as German leader after defense minister rules out a run |url=https://apnews.com/article/germany-election-scholz-pistorius-chancellor-candidacy-8d05b09e4f02323971fa8754635de163 |access-date=17 December 2024 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> Exit polls showed that the SPD fell to third place and fell below 20% for the first time since [[March 1933 German federal election|1933]], while also achieving its worst result in terms of vote share since the [[1887 German federal election|1887 federal election]], held in the [[German Empire]]. After the first exit polls were published, Scholz announced he would not seek to be part of a government led by [[Friedrich Merz]].  As a result, Co-party leader Lars Klingbeil also became parliamentary group leader of the SPD, while Co-party leader [[Saskia Esken]] is currently still in this office. Scholz was elected to the [[List of members of the 21st Bundestag|21st Bundestag]] by winning his constituency through the [[first vote]] in the 2025 German federal election. He has said that he intends to take up his mandate.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2025-02/spd-kanzler-olaf-scholz-bundestag-abgeordneter |title=Olaf Scholz will Abgeordneter im Bundestag bleiben |journal=ZEIT Online |date=24 February 2025 |language=de |access-date=25 February 2025}}</ref>

==Political views==
{{Social democracy sidebar|people}}
Within the SPD, Scholz is widely viewed as forming part of the moderate wing of the party.<ref name="Chazan-2018"/> Because of his flat enunciation and mechanical-sounding choice of words in press conferences and interviews, Scholz has been nicknamed "the Scholzomat" by some media outlets. In 2013, he said that he found the nickname "very appropriate".<ref>Brost, M., & P. Dausend: [http://www.zeit.de/2013/26/olaf-scholz-scholzomat ''Olaf Scholz: Ich war der "Scholzomat".''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027161612/https://www.zeit.de/2013/26/olaf-scholz-scholzomat |date=27 October 2021 }} In: ''Zeit 26/2013''.</ref><ref>[https://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2021-09/olaf-scholz-the-discreet-charm-of-the-scholzomat The discreet charm of the Scholzomat] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025205251/https://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2021-09/olaf-scholz-the-discreet-charm-of-the-scholzomat?utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F |date=25 October 2021 }} In: ''Zeit'', 26 September 2021.</ref>

===Economic and financial policy===
[[File:Steven Mnuchin and Olaf Scholz at 2018 G7 Finance Meeting.jpg|thumb|Scholz and US Secretary of the Treasury [[Steven Mnuchin|Mnuchin]] in 2018]]

Scholz has been campaigning for a [[financial transaction tax]] for several years. Experts have criticized parts of this plan, arguing that it would disproportionately affect small shareholders.<ref>{{cite web|title=Angriff auf die Mittelschicht: Warum Olaf Scholz' Aktiensteuer eine schlechte Idee ist|periodical=[[Stern.de]]|publisher=|url=https://www.stern.de/wirtschaft/geld/olaf-scholz-will-aktien-altersvorsorge-besteuern---eine-ganz-schlechte-idee-8954080.html|url-status=live|access-date=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025211540/https://www.stern.de/wirtschaft/geld/olaf-scholz-will-aktien-altersvorsorge-besteuern---eine-ganz-schlechte-idee-8954080.html|archive-date=25 October 2021|date=15 October 2019|language=|pages=|quote=}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Daniel|last=Eckert|title=Aktiensteuer: Finanzexperten kritisieren Pläne von Olaf Scholz|newspaper=Die Welt|date=9 September 2019|language=de|url=https://www.welt.de/finanzen/article199904862/Aktiensteuer-Finanzexperten-kritisieren-Plaene-von-Olaf-Scholz.html|access-date=9 December 2019|archive-date=25 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025211540/https://www.welt.de/finanzen/article199904862/Aktiensteuer-Finanzexperten-kritisieren-Plaene-von-Olaf-Scholz.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Olaf Scholz, der Anti-Aktionär|periodical=[[Der Tagesspiegel]]|publisher=|url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/abgaben-fuer-kleinanleger-olaf-scholz-der-anti-aktionaer/25108774.html|url-status=live|access-date=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025211540/https://www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/abgaben-fuer-kleinanleger-olaf-scholz-der-anti-aktionaer/25108774.html|archive-date=25 October 2021|author=Thorsten Mumme|date=13 October 2019|language=|pages=|quote=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Scholz will uns Jungen die letzte Möglichkeit des Sparens nehmen|periodical=Focus Online|url=https://www.focus.de/finanzen/altersvorsorge/kommentar-scholz-will-uns-jungen-die-letzte-moeglichkeit-des-sparens-nehmen_id_10869807.html|date=23 June 2019|language=|pages=|quote=|access-date=25 October 2021|archive-date=25 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025211540/https://www.focus.de/finanzen/altersvorsorge/kommentar-scholz-will-uns-jungen-die-letzte-moeglichkeit-des-sparens-nehmen_id_10869807.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2019, Scholz pushed for the introduction of this tax at European Union level. According to a draft legislation, share purchases should be taxed when they involve shares in companies with a [[market capitalization]] over {{Euro|1B}}.<ref>{{cite web |date=9 December 2019 |title=Medienbericht: Scholz legt offenbar Gesetzentwurf für Börsensteuer vor |trans-title=Media report: Scholz apparently presents draft law for stock exchange tax. |url=https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/soziales/finanztransaktionssteuer-olaf-scholz-legt-offenbar-finalen-gesetzentwurf-vor-a-1300482.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025211543/https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/soziales/finanztransaktionssteuer-olaf-scholz-legt-offenbar-finalen-gesetzentwurf-vor-a-1300482.html |archive-date=25 October 2021 |access-date=9 December 2019 |language=German |periodical=Spiegel Online}}</ref> Journalist [[Hermann-Josef Tenhagen]] criticized this version of the transaction tax on the basis that it would disproportionately affect lower-income individuals.<ref name="SPON-1301113">{{cite web|title=Finanztransaktionssteuer: Olaf Scholz zerstört eine gute Idee|periodical=[[Der Spiegel (website)|Der Spiegel]]|publisher=|url=https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/service/finanztransaktionssteuer-olaf-scholz-zerstoert-eine-gute-idee-a-1301113.html|url-status=live|access-date=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025211540/https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/service/finanztransaktionssteuer-olaf-scholz-zerstoert-eine-gute-idee-a-1301113.html|archive-date=25 October 2021|author=Hermann-Josef Tenhagen|date=14 December 2019|language=|pages=|quote=}}</ref> A report by the [[Kiel Institute for the World Economy]] commissioned by the Federal Government in 2020 certified the same deficiencies in the tax concept that Tenhagen had already pointed out.<ref name="SPON-431f9ca60b4c">{{cite web|title=Forscher sehen gravierende Schwächen bei Finanztransaktionsteuer|periodical=[[Der Spiegel (website)|Der Spiegel]]|url=https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/forscher-sehen-gravierende-schwaechen-bei-finanztransaktionssteuer-a-1ca67442-4959-4693-89d8-431f9ca60b4c|url-status=live|access-date=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025211540/https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/forscher-sehen-gravierende-schwaechen-bei-finanztransaktionssteuer-a-1ca67442-4959-4693-89d8-431f9ca60b4c|archive-date=25 October 2021|date=5 March 2020}}</ref>

During his tenure as minister of finance, Scholz prioritized not taking on new government debt and limiting public spending.<ref name="Nienaber-2018" /> In 2018, he suggested the creation of an EU-wide unemployment insurance system to make the [[Eurozone]] more resilient to future economic shocks.<ref>Myriam Rivet and Michael Nienaber (10 June 2018), [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-germany-meeting/france-germany-still-split-on-eurozone-reforms-french-official-says-idUSKBN1J60FM France, Germany still split on eurozone reforms, French official says] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612160302/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-germany-meeting/france-germany-still-split-on-eurozone-reforms-french-official-says-idUSKBN1J60FM |date=12 June 2018 }} ''[[Reuters]]''.</ref>

===Environment and climate policy===
In September 2019, Scholz negotiated the climate package in a key role for the SPD. To this he said: "What we have presented is a great achievement", whereas climate scientists almost unanimously criticized the result as insufficient.<ref>{{cite web|title="Ein großer Wurf"|periodical=[[ZDF]]|url=https://www.zdf.de/uri/d81a7397-3604-4eb7-8372-fb5bd39f56ae|date=20 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Großer Wurf?: Wissenschaftler kritisieren deutsches Klimapaket|newspaper=Faz.net|issn=0174-4909|language=de|url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/wirtschaft/wissenschaftler-kritisieren-deutsches-klimapaket-16395941.html|access-date=9 December 2019|archive-date=25 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025213042/https://www.faz.net/aktuell/wirtschaft/wissenschaftler-kritisieren-deutsches-klimapaket-16395941.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Susanne|last=Götze|periodical=Spiegel Online|title=Wissenschaftler zum Klimapaket der Bundesregierung: Gute Nacht|date=20 September 2019|language=German|url=https://www.spiegel.de/wissenschaft/mensch/klimapaket-der-bundesregierung-so-beurteilen-experten-die-einigung-a-1287888.html|access-date=9 December 2019|archive-date=25 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025211540/https://www.spiegel.de/wissenschaft/mensch/klimapaket-der-bundesregierung-so-beurteilen-experten-die-einigung-a-1287888.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Kritik an Bundesregierung – Latif: Klimapaket verdient den Namen nicht|periodical=[[Deutschlandfunk]]|url=https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/kritik-an-bundesregierung-latif-klimapaket-verdient-den.694.de.html?dram:article_id=459668|url-status=live|format=|access-date=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025211540/https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/kritik-an-bundesregierung-latif-klimapaket-verdient-den.694.de.html?dram:article_id=459668|archive-date=25 October 2021|author=Mojib Latif|date=26 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Klimapaket: Wissenschaftler finden CO<sub>2</sub>-Preis zu niedrig|periodical=[[Süddeutsche Zeitung]]|publisher=|url=https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/klimapaket-bundesregierung-co2-steuer-wissenschaft-1.4610461|url-status=live|access-date=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025211540/https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/klimapaket-bundesregierung-co2-steuer-wissenschaft-1.4610461|archive-date=25 October 2021|author=Christian Endt|date=21 September 2019|language=|pages=|quote=}}</ref>

In August 2020, Scholz held a phone call with US Secretary of the Treasury [[Steven Mnuchin]], discussing a lift of US sanctions on the [[Nord Stream 2]] pipeline, one of 23 gas pipelines between Europe and Russia.<ref name="sdm21">{{cite web |title=Gas Infrastructure Europe – System Development Map 2022/2021 |website=European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas ([[ENTSOG]]) |date=December 2021 |url=https://entsog.eu/sites/default/files/2022-01/ENTSOG_GIE_SYSDEV_2020-2021.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924231209/https://entsog.eu/sites/default/files/2022-01/ENTSOG_GIE_SYSDEV_2020-2021.pdf |archive-date=24 September 2022 |access-date=7 October 2022 }}</ref> In exchange, Scholz offered {{Euro|1B}} in subsidies to [[Liquefied natural gas|liquid gas terminals]] in northern Germany for US liquid gas imports.<ref>{{cite web |title=Deutsche Umwelthilfe e.V.: Geheimdeal gegen das Klima |trans-title=German Environmental Aid e.V.: Secret deal against the climate |url=https://www.duh.de/projekte/geheimdeal-gegen-das-klima/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215234928/https://www.duh.de/projekte/geheimdeal-gegen-das-klima/ |archive-date=15 December 2021 |access-date=15 December 2021 |website=Deutsche Umwelthilfe e.V. |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Lesen Sie zeit.de mit Werbung oder im PUR-Abo. Sie haben die Wahl.|url=https://www.zeit.de/zustimmung?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zeit.de%2F2020%2F39%2Fnord-stream-2-olaf-scholz-usa-sanktionen-gasmarkt-baustopp|url-access=subscription|access-date=15 December 2021|website=Die Zeit |archive-date=15 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215234922/https://www.zeit.de/zustimmung?url=https://www.zeit.de/2020/39/nord-stream-2-olaf-scholz-usa-sanktionen-gasmarkt-baustopp|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Lesen Sie zeit.de mit Werbung oder im PUR-Abo. Sie haben die Wahl.|url=https://www.zeit.de/zustimmung?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zeit.de%2Fpolitik%2Fausland%2F2020-09%2Fnord-stream-2-ostsee-pipeline-finanzierung-olaf-scholz%3Fcid%3D54151008|access-date=15 December 2021|website=Die Zeit|url-access=subscription|archive-date=15 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215234912/https://www.zeit.de/zustimmung?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zeit.de%2Fpolitik%2Fausland%2F2020-09%2Fnord-stream-2-ostsee-pipeline-finanzierung-olaf-scholz%3Fcid%3D54151008|url-status=dead}}</ref> The move sparked controversy with regards to the SPD's stance towards renewable energy.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Stukenberg|first=Kurt|date=11 February 2021|title=SPD-Engagement für Nord Stream 2: Gasimport + Gasimport = Klimaschutz|language=de|work=Der Spiegel|url=https://www.spiegel.de/wissenschaft/mensch/spd-engagement-fuer-nord-stream-2-gasimport-gasimport-klimaschutz-a-3d3f78e1-5358-4142-94d0-d78f7c648315|access-date=15 December 2021|issn=2195-1349|archive-date=25 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025211543/https://www.spiegel.de/wissenschaft/mensch/spd-engagement-fuer-nord-stream-2-gasimport-gasimport-klimaschutz-a-3d3f78e1-5358-4142-94d0-d78f7c648315|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=9 February 2021|title=Scholz wollte mit Milliarden-Deal US-Sanktionen gegen Nord Stream 2 abwenden|language=de|work=DIE WELT|url=https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article226052809/Scholz-wollte-mit-Milliarden-Deal-US-Sanktionen-gegen-Nord-Stream-2-abwenden.html|access-date=15 December 2021|archive-date=2 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002123211/https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article226052809/Scholz-wollte-mit-Milliarden-Deal-US-Sanktionen-gegen-Nord-Stream-2-abwenden.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The revised Climate Protection Act introduced by Olaf Scholz's cabinet as Mayor of Hamburg provides for a 65% reduction in {{CO2}} emissions by 2030, an 88% reduction by 2040 and [[climate neutrality]] by 2045.<ref>{{cite web|title=Deutschland soll bis 2045 klimaneutral sein|periodical=Heute.de|publisher=|url=https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/politik/klimaneutral-2045-klimaschutzgesetz-co-100.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025213043/https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/politik/klimaneutral-2045-klimaschutzgesetz-co-100.html|archive-date=25 October 2021|date=5 May 2021}}</ref>

Scholz has advocated for the expansion of [[renewable energy]] capacities to replace fossil fuels.<ref>{{cite news |title=Scholz Vows He'll Be Chancellor by Year-End to Push Green Energy |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-10-13/scholz-says-new-government-will-make-renewable-energy-push |work=Bloomberg |date=13 October 2021 |access-date=2 October 2024 }}</ref> In May 2021, Scholz proposed the establishment of an international climate club, which should serve to develop common minimum standards for climate policy measures and a coordinated approach. In addition, uniform rules for the carbon accounting of goods should apply among members.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gemeinsame Ziele und Standards: Scholz will internationalen Klimaclub gründen|periodical=RND.de|url=https://www.rnd.de/politik/scholz-will-internationalen-klimaclub-gruenden-fuer-gemeinsame-ziele-und-standards-IERK4CQ6ZNCY7AYOG3RU3C4A6Y.html|url-status=live|access-date=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025211540/https://www.rnd.de/politik/scholz-will-internationalen-klimaclub-gruenden-fuer-gemeinsame-ziele-und-standards-IERK4CQ6ZNCY7AYOG3RU3C4A6Y.html|archive-date=25 October 2021|date=18 May 2021}}</ref>

As part of the coalition agreement that led to Scholz becoming chancellor, the Social Democrats, Free Democrats, and Green party agreed to accelerate Germany's [[Fossil fuel phase-out|phaseout of coal]] to the year 2030, in line with the target set by the [[Powering Past Coal Alliance]]. The country's previous target had been to end the use of coal by 2038. In addition, the agreement set a phaseout of power generation from natural gas by 2040. The agreement also included provisions for the prohibition on natural gas heating in new buildings and replacement of natural gas systems in existing buildings. An end to the sale of combustion vehicles would come in 2035, in line with the target set by the [[European Commission]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Wacket|first=Markus|date=23 November 2021|title=EXCLUSIVE German parties agree on 2030 coal phase-out in coalition talks -sources|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/cop/exclusive-germanys-government-in-waiting-agrees-phase-out-coal-by-2030-sources-2021-11-23/|access-date=15 December 2021|archive-date=3 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303202425/https://www.reuters.com/business/cop/exclusive-germanys-government-in-waiting-agrees-phase-out-coal-by-2030-sources-2021-11-23/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Foreign policy===
In January 2019, Scholz stated that he sees China primarily as an economic partner.<ref>{{cite news |date=18 January 2019 |title=China, Germany promise closer financial cooperation |url=https://apnews.com/article/3eb6ffc10ccb47408d98e050e2e90d69 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827203104/https://apnews.com/article/3eb6ffc10ccb47408d98e050e2e90d69 |archive-date=27 August 2023 |access-date=2 October 2024 |work=Associated Press}}</ref> He tried to persuade Chinese Vice Premier [[Liu He (politician)|Liu He]] that China should be more open to German firms,<ref>{{cite news |date=15 January 2019 |title=From client to competitor: China's rise prompts German rethink |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/germany-china-scholz-idINKCN1P91XB |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827201634/https://www.reuters.com/article/germany-china-scholz-idINKCN1P91XB |archive-date=27 August 2023 |access-date=2 October 2024 |work=Reuters}}</ref> and he supported the [[Comprehensive Agreement on Investment]] between the EU and China.<ref>{{cite news |date=20 May 2022 |title=The China Challenge for Olaf Scholz |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/05/20/china-challenge-olaf-scholz |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525143932/https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/05/20/china-challenge-olaf-scholz |archive-date=25 May 2024 |access-date=2 October 2024 |work=Human Rights Watch}}</ref> In September 2022, he condemned the [[persecution of Uyghurs in China|treatment]] of ethnic [[Uyghurs]] in China's [[Xinjiang]].<ref>{{cite news |date=22 September 2022 |title=Scholz Prepares First Official Trip to China as German Position Turns Hawkish |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-22/german-leader-prepares-china-visit-as-berlin-takes-hawkish-turn-on-beijing |access-date=2 October 2024 |work=Bloomberg}}</ref>

In December 2019, Scholz criticized [[Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act|US sanctions]] on Russia's [[Nord Stream 2]] gas pipeline to Germany, saying: "Such sanctions are a serious interference in the internal affairs of Germany and Europe and their sovereignty."<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany hits back at US for placing sanctions on critical European gas pipeline |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-12-22/germany-hits-back-at-us-donald-trump-sanctions-on-nord-stream-2/11821624 |work=ABC News |date=21 December 2019 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=26 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326132219/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-12-22/germany-hits-back-at-us-donald-trump-sanctions-on-nord-stream-2/11821624 |url-status=live }}</ref> Scholz has expressed support for a longstanding agreement that allows American [[tactical nuclear weapons]] to be stored and maintained on American bases within Germany.<ref>{{cite news |title=Incoming German government commits to NATO nuclear deterrent |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/11/24/incoming-german-government-commits-to-nato-nuclear-deterrent/ |work=Defense News |date=24 November 2021 |access-date=2 October 2024 |archive-date=31 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731133916/https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/11/24/incoming-german-government-commits-to-nato-nuclear-deterrent/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Voice of America-Scholz"/>

In October 2019, Scholz condemned the [[2019 Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria|Turkish invasion]] of the [[Kurds in Syria|Kurdish]]-controlled northeastern areas of [[Syria]], otherwise known as [[Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria|Rojava]].<ref>{{cite news |date=15 October 2021 |title=Germany's Scholz calls for coordinated approach to convince Turkey to end Syria operation |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-germany-idUSKBN1WU1HZ |work=Reuters}}</ref>

In December 2024, Scholz welcomed the [[fall of the Assad regime]] in Syria, describing the situation as "good news".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nierenberg |first=Amelia |date=8 December 2024 |title=Governments around the globe expressed cautious optimism over the future of Syria. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/08/world/middleeast/syria-global-reactions-world-leaders.html |access-date=8 December 2024 |work=The New York Times}}</ref>

==Other activities==
===International organizations===
*[[European Bank for Reconstruction and Development]] (EBRD), ex-officio member of the board of governors (2018–2021)<ref>[http://www.ebrd.com/shareholders-and-board-of-governors.html Board of Governors] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228141219/http://www.ebrd.com/shareholders-and-board-of-governors.html |date=28 February 2017 }} [[European Bank for Reconstruction and Development]] (EBRD).</ref>
*[[European Investment Bank]] (EIB), ex-officio member of the board of governors (2018–2021)<ref>[http://www.eib.org/about/governance-and-structure/statutory-bodies/board_of_governors/index.htm Board of Governors] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616103358/http://www.eib.org/about/governance-and-structure/statutory-bodies/board_of_governors/index.htm |date=16 June 2018 }} [[European Investment Bank]] (EIB).</ref>
*[[European Stability Mechanism]], member of the board of governors (2018–2021)<ref>[https://www.esm.europa.eu/content/olaf-scholz Board of Governors: Olaf Scholz]{{Dead link|date=October 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} [[European Stability Mechanism]].</ref>
*[[Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank]] (AIIB), ex-officio member of the board of governors (2018–2021)<ref>[https://www.aiib.org/en/about-aiib/governance/board-governors/index.html Board of Governors] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029173748/https://www.aiib.org/en/about-aiib/governance/board-governors/index.html |date=29 October 2017 }} [[Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank]] (AIIB).</ref>
*[[International Monetary Fund]] (IMF), ex-officio alternate member of the board of governors (2018–2021)<ref>[http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/memdir/members.aspx Members] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111021542/http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/memdir/members.aspx |date=11 November 2011 }} [[International Monetary Fund]] (IMF).</ref>

===Corporate boards===
*[[KfW]], ex-officio member of the Board of Supervisory Directors (2018–2021)<ref>[https://www.kfw.de/KfW-Group/About-KfW/Vorstand-und-Gremien/Verwaltungsrat-und-seine-Aussch%C3%BCsse/ Board of Supervisory Directors and its Committees] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816142705/https://www.kfw.de/KfW-Group/About-KfW/Vorstand-und-Gremien/Verwaltungsrat-und-seine-Aussch%C3%BCsse/ |date=16 August 2017 }} [[KfW]].</ref>
*RAG-Stiftung, ex-officio member of the board of trustees (2018–2021)<ref>{{Cite news|last=Vetter|first=Philipp|date=14 June 2021|title=Staatshilfe für Karstadt und Kaufhof: CDU-Wirtschaftsrat warnt vor weiterem Kredit|language=de|work=DIE WELT|url=https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article231827901/Staatshilfe-fuer-Karstadt-und-Kaufhof-CDU-Wirtschaftsrat-warnt-vor-weiterem-Kredit.html|access-date=8 December 2021|archive-date=8 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208135908/https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article231827901/Staatshilfe-fuer-Karstadt-und-Kaufhof-CDU-Wirtschaftsrat-warnt-vor-weiterem-Kredit.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[HafenCity]] Hamburg GmbH, ex-officio chairman of the supervisory board (−2018){{Citation needed|date=December 2021}}

===Non-profits===
*{{Wikidata fallback link|Q2349058}}<!--Stiftung Lebendige Stadt-->,<ref>{{cite web|last=Laurin|first=Stefan|date=12 July 2011|title=ECE: Stiftung lebendige Stadt – so geht Lobbyismus|url=https://www.ruhrbarone.de/ece-stiftung-lebendige-stadt-so-geht-lobbyismus/30191|access-date=8 December 2021|website=Ruhrbarone|language=de-DE|archive-date=8 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208135913/https://www.ruhrbarone.de/ece-stiftung-lebendige-stadt-so-geht-lobbyismus/30191|url-status=live}}</ref> member of the board of trustees (2009–2021)
* {{Wikidata fallback link|Q1203609}}<!--Deutsche Nationalstiftung-->, member of the Senate<ref>[http://www.nationalstiftung.de/gremien Senate] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170718233651/http://www.nationalstiftung.de/gremien |date=18 July 2017}}, Deutsche Nationalstiftung.</ref>
*[[Friedrich Ebert Foundation]] (FES), member<ref>[https://www.fes.de/stiftung/organigramm-gremien/mitgliederversammlung/ Members] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729141457/https://www.fes.de/stiftung/organigramm-gremien/mitgliederversammlung/ |date=29 July 2018 }} [[Friedrich Ebert Foundation]] (FES).</ref>
*[[German Council on Foreign Relations]] (DGAP), chairman of the Task Force on International Aviation Policy<ref>[https://dgap.org/en/think-tank/programs/study-groups Study Groups, Discussion Groups and Task Forces] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701214547/https://dgap.org/en/think-tank/programs/study-groups |date=1 July 2016 }} [[German Council on Foreign Relations]].</ref>

==Personal life==
Olaf Scholz is married to fellow SPD politician [[Britta Ernst]]. The couple lived in Hamburg's [[Altona, Hamburg|Altona district]] before moving to [[Potsdam]] in 2018.<ref>Ildiko Röd (25 June 2018), [http://www.maz-online.de/Lokales/Potsdam/Vizekanzler-Olaf-Scholz-wohnt-jetzt-in-Potsdam Vizekanzler ist Neu-Potsdamer] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721145732/http://www.maz-online.de/Lokales/Potsdam/Vizekanzler-Olaf-Scholz-wohnt-jetzt-in-Potsdam |date=21 July 2018 }} ''[[Märkische Allgemeine]]''.</ref>

Scholz was raised in the [[Protestant Church in Germany]] but later left it.<ref>{{cite web|title=Germany election: Christians not exempt from falling into polarisation|url=https://evangelicalfocus.com/europe/13371/germany-elections-christians-not-exempt-from-falling-into-polarisation|access-date=15 November 2021|website=Evangelical Focus|first=Joel|last=Forster|date=22 September 2021|language=en|archive-date=15 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115045827/https://evangelicalfocus.com/europe/13371/germany-elections-christians-not-exempt-from-falling-into-polarisation|url-status=live}}</ref> At his inauguration as chancellor in 2021, he took the oath of office without a reference to God (the second chancellor to do so after [[Gerhard Schröder]]). He is the first chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany who is not a member of a church.<ref>{{cite web |date=8 December 2021 |title=Olaf Scholz: Darum verzichtet er beim Amtseid auf "So wahr mir Gott helfe" |trans-title=Olaf Scholz: This is why he omits "So help me God" in his oath of office. |url=https://www.derwesten.de/politik/olaf-scholz-amtseid-so-wahr-mir-gott-helfe-gottesbezug-bundeskanzler-kanzler-bundestag-id234040353.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208072605/https://www.derwesten.de/politik/olaf-scholz-amtseid-so-wahr-mir-gott-helfe-gottesbezug-bundeskanzler-kanzler-bundestag-id234040353.html |archive-date=8 December 2021 |access-date=8 December 2021 |website=Der Westen |language=de}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Senate Scholz I]]
*[[Senate Scholz II]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
*{{official website}}<!-- Use Wikidata --> {{in lang|de}}
*{{C-SPAN|120018}}

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{{subject bar |auto=y |d=y |portal1=Germany |portal2=Politics |portal3=Biography |portal4=Liberalism}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Scholz, Olaf}}
[[Category:Olaf Scholz| ]]
[[Category:1958 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Politicians from Osnabrück]]
[[Category:People from Wandsbek]]
[[Category:Finance ministers of Germany]]
[[Category:Mayors of Hamburg]]
[[Category:Vice-chancellors of Germany]]
[[Category:Senators of Hamburg]]
[[Category:Social affairs ministers of Germany]]
[[Category:Government ministers of Germany]]
[[Category:Ministers of labor of Germany]]
[[Category:Leaders of political parties in Germany]]
[[Category:Former Lutherans]]
[[Category:Members of the Bundestag 1998–2002]]
[[Category:Members of the Bundestag 2002–2005]]
[[Category:Members of the Bundestag 2005–2009]]
[[Category:Members of the Bundestag 2009–2013]]
[[Category:Members of the Bundestag 2021–2025]]
[[Category:Members of the Bundestag for Hamburg]]
[[Category:Members of the Bundestag for the Social Democratic Party of Germany]]
[[Category:University of Hamburg alumni]]
[[Category:20th-century German politicians]]
[[Category:21st-century chancellors of Germany]]
[[Category:Members of the Bundestag 2025–2029]]