Time for Scholz to take the reins but it won't be an easy ride

For the first time at the federal level, the Social Democrats — who have produced only three of post-war Germany’s eight chancellors — will govern with both the environmentalist Greens and the pro-business Free Democrats

Olaf Scholz faces the issue of how to tackle spiralling cases of Covid.

Olaf Scholz clinched the deal of his life this week. Less than two months after leading his Social Democrats to a narrow victory at the polls, Germany’s outgoing finance minister got himself the coalition he needs to be sworn in as chancellor, probably within two weeks.

The 16-year era of Angela Merkel is over. The Scholz years are about to begin.