---- The entire program in the ARD media library: https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/mai... Former finance minister and candidate for chancellor Peer Steinbrück talks about Angela Merkel's shortcomings, Olaf Scholz's chances in the election campaign, and future challenges. 00:00 About Angela Merkel's time in office 02:01 Fear of description in politics 03:31 Olaf Scholz and the SPD 16:02 Reform agenda 2030 17:09 Dangers from Donald Trump and Russia 21:25 SPD and the Sahra Wagenknecht alliance 22:26 Possible government formation Peer Steinbrück talks to Sandra Maischberger about the political situation and the challenges facing Germany. Regarding Angela Merkel's autobiography, which was presented on the same day, he notes that every political figure has "their time," and that for Merkel this time came to an end in 2021. Steinbrück shows respect for her achievements, but criticizes the shortcomings during her chancellorship, for example in the areas of infrastructure, energy policy, and the Bundeswehr. "The current state of the republic [...] is also due to many omissions over the past ten years," he explains. Steinbrück accuses current politics of "fear of description." Politicians are afraid to honestly address "the realities that challenge us," such as demographics, climate protection or global economic shifts, in order not to scare off voters. This prevents necessary reforms. Steinbrück calls for a reform agenda: "It's payday," he emphasizes, and urges that fundamental problems be tackled courageously. Steinbrück has clear words to say about the current SPD and Olaf Scholz. Scholz is competent, but the public opinion of him is negative, and the chances of building on previous electoral successes are slim. With regard to the party, he demanded: "The SPD must gain a greater profile in economic policy than ever," and emphasized that reforms in the welfare state and clear economic policy concepts are crucial. Steinbrück warns of a possible return of Donald Trump to the White House, which would have significant consequences for Europe and Germany. Steinbrück praises Scholz's level-headed stance in the Ukraine conflict and describes it as "sustainable and correct," but warns against Russian aggression that goes far beyond the war. Steinbrück calls for Europe to be more defensive and warns: "We are still in a comfort zone. That has to change." The entire broadcast from November 26, 2024 can be found here: https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/mai... All broadcasts in the ARD media library: https://www.ardmediathek.de/sendung/m... Also guests were: Carsten Breuer (Inspector General of the Bundeswehr) Claudia Major (security expert) Amelie Fried (author and journalist) Ulrike Herrmann (taz) Jan Fleischhauer (Focus) Twitter: / maischberger #talk #maischberger #Merkel #Russia #Scholz #SPD #Trump