War, climate, hunger, poverty, health – there is no shortage of topics at the G7 summit. Host is Germany. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has high hopes for the summit – also for himself.
G7 location with a panorama of the Alps: Elmau Castle
High mountains with snow-capped peaks, lush green meadows and blue river valleys: Southern Bavaria offers a holiday panorama straight out of a picture book. This is where the five-star Hotel Schloss Elmau is located, where Chancellor Olaf Scholz, as host of this year's G7 summit, will welcome the heads of state and government from France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Canada and the USA from Sunday.
< p>During the last German G7 presidency in 2015, the castle proved to be an ideal summit location. The fantastic backdrop for sending beautiful pictures of the political spectacle to the world, plus the location in a valley above Garmisch-Partenkirchen that is difficult to access and easy to secure. At least 18,000 police officers and a 16-kilometer security fence around the castle ensure that no demonstrator can disturb the idyll. Guests are flown in by helicopter. The federal government and the state of Bavaria have estimated 180 million euros for securing the summit alone.
2015 welcomed Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Barack Obama in Elmau
War and climate change
The idyll of the conference venue stands in stark contrast to the pressing issues to be discussed. “Progress for a just world” is the motto of the summit. The fight against climate change, against hunger and poverty should actually be at the top of the agenda. But in fact the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and its far-reaching and existential consequences will dominate the summit. “The G7 is of paramount importance this year,” emphasizes the Chancellor, who is hoping for a signal from a resolute and united G7.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the Bundestag during his government statement
As the host, Germany has a crucial role to play and Scholz could use this advantage to polish up its scratched image. In recent weeks, Germany has had to put up with a lot of international criticism. Shortly after the outbreak of war, the Federal Chancellor had announced an about-face in German foreign and security policy and a massive build-up of the Bundeswehr. But then followed – nothing.
Lack of support in the SPD
There was talk all over the world of the procrastinating and hesitant Federal Chancellor. Weapons deliveries to Ukraine were a long time coming and Scholz also avoided traveling to Ukraine for months. It seemed as if he was maneuvering – also in order not to completely block the conversation channel to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
It was only on June 16 that the Chancellor visited Ukraine and met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv
The hesitation, however, also had internal party reasons. The SPD, the chancellor's party, is by no means united behind the “turning point”. Pacifism and the conviction that there can be no peace in Europe without Russia's involvement are deeply rooted in the Social Democrats.
Leading power Germany?!
In view of the brutal actions of the Russian army in Ukraine the pacifists have become increasingly silent. Earlier this week, the federal government published a long-held list of all, including military, support for Ukraine. Shortly thereafter it became known that the first German tank howitzers had arrived in the war zone.
Heavy equipment for Ukraine: The Panzerhaubitze 2000, delivered here from the Netherlands
SPD party leader Lars Klingbeil, who is behind Olaf Scholz in terms of content, surprised at the same time with the demand: “Germany must claim to be a leading power.” In a keynote speech, he emphasized the significantly growing expectations of Germany worldwide. “After almost 80 years of restraint, Germany now has a new role in the international coordinate system.” The country has gained a high level of trust over the past few decades. “Germany is more and more the focus, we should fulfill the expectations that are placed on us.”
Putting the G7 on course
The G7 summit could be a first touchstone for Scholz' leadership qualities. If he succeeds in getting the heads of state and government on a clear and unified course, that would have a positive impact on him too. It helps that Germany, as host, has a significant influence on the process and agenda of the summit.
18,000 Police officers are on duty in Elmau and Garmisch-Partenkirchen
The first day of the summit is supposed to be about sanctions against Russia and further long-term aid for Ukraine. “We will continue to provide massive support to Ukraine – financially, economically, humanitarianly, politically and last but not least by supplying weapons – for as long as Ukraine needs our support,” said Olaf Scholz in a government statement in the Bundestag on Wednesday. in which he also proposed a reconstruction plan for the war-torn country.
Analogous to the “Marshall Plan” with which the USA promoted reconstruction in Germany and other European countries after the Second World War. “The extent of the destruction is enormous,” said Scholz. Since the beginning of the war, billions of euros have already been mobilized, and Germany is at the forefront. “But we will need many more billions of euros and dollars for reconstruction – and that for years to come. That can only be done if we join forces.” This is to be discussed in Elmau and also an expert conference to be convened. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will take part in the talks virtually.
Fighting climate change, hunger and poverty
Because of the war, grain deliveries from Ukraine and Russia are stopped. The United Nations warn of the worst famine in decades. Many countries in the Global South are still struggling with the consequences of the corona pandemic. “If we don't succeed in supporting these countries in solidarity, then powers like Russia and China will take advantage of that,” warns the Federal Chancellor.
Fighting poverty: Projection by the organization Global Citizen at the Chancellery
In any case, he thinks it's important to take a closer look at the large democracies in Asia, Africa and southern America. Scholz says that the understanding of democracy falls short if you only focus on the classic West. Five partner countries will be present on the second day of the summit in Elmau: Indonesia and India, which currently and will hold the G20 presidency of the most important developing and emerging countries, Senegal, as the presidency of the African Union, Argentina as the presidency of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States and South Africa.
They are also to be discussed about the “Climate Club”, an idea that the chancellor has had for some time. “Everyone in the world should be able to participate who is committed to improving the situation and the major industrial transformation that is now necessary so that we can operate in a CO2-neutral manner and still have good jobs all over the world,” explains Scholz.