On December 10, 2021 Olaf Scholz was sworn in as the Chancellor of Germany. This marks the end of Angela Merkel’s 16 year chancellorship and a shift in politics within Germany. Due to the parliamentary system, cross-party coalitions have to be formed in order for the elected Chancellor to take office. This election resulted in “the traffic light coalition”, consisting of  The Social Democratic Party, the Green Party, and Free Democratic Party. (The nickname comes from each parties’ color). It is the first 3 party coalition since 1949. It is also the first cabinet to have equally female and male members in the cabinet. 

The three party leaders signed the 177 page agreement on television December 7th. This document details the responsibilities and jurisdiction of each party within this government. This coalition’s roles were divided quite practically. The Social Democratic Party, which won the Chancellery, will also fill the Ministry of  the Interior and the Ministry of Labor. These offices will be crucial to fulfilling the Party’s largest campaign promises. Green Party leaders will serve in the Foreign Ministry and Economy and Climate Ministry. These positions enable the Party to affect industry and climate, as well as implement human rights centered foreign policy. The Free Democratic Party will fill the Finance Ministry. 

The new government will be facing many challenges. The first being that Germany is facing a new wave of COVID-19. The new government plans to release new vaccine mandates soon. There is also increased focus on the potential invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Chancellor Scholz and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock are traveling to Paris and Brussels responding to these concerns. Additionally, all three parties have a progressive agenda, hoping to increase LGBTQ+ rights, lowering the voting age, legalizing marijuana, offer more affordable housing, and expand citizen rights. This coalition is historic for many reasons, as it marks the beginning of a new era of leadership in Germany.