Olaf Scholz

Controversial Ukrainian diplomat appointed UN envoy, prompting international criticism

Melnyk’s past defense of WWII-era nationalist leader Stepan Bandera and blunt diplomatic style continue to draw backlash from Israel, Poland, and beyond.

 Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany Andriy Melnyk attends the opening for the annual press association ball (Bundespresseball), in Berlin, Germany, April 29, 2022.
 Co-leader of The Left (Die Linke) party Heidi Reichinnek speaks to the media, next to the Leader of The Left Group in the Bundestag Soeren Pellmann, on the day of their parliamentary fraction meeting following the German general elections in Berlin, Germany, February 25, 2025.

Germany’s political shift: Why the real threat isn’t the far Right – opinion

 German conservative candidate for chancellor and Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party leader Friedrich Merz reacts after the exit poll results are announced for the 2025 general election, in Berlin, Germany, February 23, 2025.

German conservatives come first in election, trailed by far right, exit polls show

 German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, left, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speak to the media after their meeting in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023.

Accusing Israel of genocide is 'absurd', Olaf Scholz says in podcast


'Back to the living, back to freedom': World leaders welcome the hostages home

"The release of hostages after many months of war between Israel and Hamas is a deeply meaningful moment," Zelensky wrote.

 Israelis celebrate as the hostages are brought back on the first day of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.

German parliament votes no-confidence in Chancellor Scholz, paving way for election

Only 207 of the parliament's 733 expressed confidence, while 394 withheld it.

 German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks during a session of the lower house of parliament Bundestag, in Berlin, Germany, October 16, 2024.

Germany condemns execution of dual citizen by Iranian authorities

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, leader of the ruling center-left coalition, called the execution “a scandal” in a social media post.

 German Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks during a session of the lower house of parliament Bundestag, in Berlin, Germany, October 16, 2024.

Germany delays selling weapons to Israel but continues sales to Qatar, sparking criticism - report

Shortly after October 7, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz came to Israel and delivered a pledge of unconditional solidarity with Jerusalem.

 German Chancellor Olaf Scholz talks with citizens during an event in Magdeburg, Germany, August 25, 2022.

Iran could attack Israel in next 24 hours - Fox News

To stabilize the region, European leaders said Iran "will bear responsibility for actions that jeopardize this opportunity for peace and stability."

 A billboard with a picture of newly appointed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is displayed on a building in a street in Tehran, Iran, August 12, 2024.

German Jews and politician urge Berlin join Israel in military action against Iran

The current left-center coalition government—Social Democrats, Free Democratic Party, and Green Party—have shown no appetite to furnish Israel with military troops.

 German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, left, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speak to the media after their meeting in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023.

Antisemitism rose more than 80% in Germany last year, watchdog says

Experts say German authorities and media have been failing to differentiate sufficiently between antisemitism and criticism of Israel.

 People demonstrate in solidarity with Israel and against antisemitism, in Berlin

Germany's Olaf Scholz dismisses professor for liking antisemitic posts - report

The government's Deputy Spokesperson was quoted in the newspaper as saying, "From the Chancellor's point of view, the allegations against her are serious and have not yet been resolved."

 People attend a solidarity rally to mark the 76th anniversary of the "Nakba" or "catastrophe" to commemorate the mass dispossession of Palestinians in the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Berlin, Germany May 15, 2024.

Israel blasts Germany for declaring it will arrest Netanyahu

German opposition party head says Berlin’s anti-Israel move is “now really becoming a scandal.”

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Israel on March 17, 2024

German officials calling on Berlin to change pro-Israel stance as Rafah op. looms

Multiple German officials express concern on Berlin’s relationship with Israel as conflict with Hamas continues.

 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seen meeting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the UN General Assembly meeting in New York, on September 19, 2023.

Scholz: Goals of Gaza war do not seem to justify the means

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urges Israel to refrain from military operation in Rafah amid increasing aid shipments and what he called Palestinian "suffering."

 German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, left, shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a press conference in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023.