Steel becomes the object of politics in Germany

Chancellor Olaf Sholts from the Social Democratic Party (SDPG) visited the Thyssenkrupp Steel plant in Duisburg shortly before German voters were to choose a new national government.

The visit is considered as a reaction to the earlier remarks of the enemy of Scholyts, Friedrich Merets, which were interpreted as the denial of the idea of ​​"green" steel. Mertz, candidate for the post of chancellor from the Christian Democratic Party (CDS), questioned the economic feasibility of the energy transition due to the lack of affordable energy. He was attacked by several political commentators and subsequently explained that he did not cast doubt on the transition as a whole.

“After the doubts expressed by Frederick Merz ... Olaf Sholts found clear words about the future in Germany in Duysburg,” the SDPG press release said. Scholz was quoted, saying that "the transition must be implemented, [so that the industry could] supply [new steel product] on time."

Although most of the Scholyts’s statements were predictable, repeating the positions expressed earlier, one significant detail conceded the framework conditions that should be improved. Scholz said that the tariffs on the mains - a factor that is most harmful to the manufacturing industry in Germany - should be limited, and that this is part of the SDPG program. The party notes that the visit took place at the invitation of the production council of TK Steel-a detail not mentioned in the official press release of the company about the visit.

In subsequent comments in the German press, this visit was largely perceived as a common cause on the eve of the elections. One commentator snapped that Scholz "positions himself as a steel chancellor, although he was not the same during his stay in power."