Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck gives a special speech on anti-Semitism in Germany. According to an expert, he can do something that Olaf Scholz cannot do.
In a ten-minute video that Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck posted online on Wednesday, he commented on anti-Semitism in Germany and the debate about the Middle East conflict. The Green politician not only addresses Islamists and right-wing extremists, but also criticizes left-wing activists.
Habeck is already being talked about as the new chancellor on social media. The Economics Minister received praise for his video message from many quarters, including the opposition. Rightly so, says communications expert Martin Fuchs and explains in an interview with t-online why Habeck is so successful with the video.
t-online: Mr. Fuchs, Economics Minister Robert Habeck gives a speech on Israel that even inspires the opposition. Shouldn’t such a speech actually have come from the Chancellor or the Federal President?
Martin Fuchs: Definitely. That is actually the job of a head of government. But Olaf Scholz is not someone who can give such speeches and Steinmeier is traveling to Tanzania. Habeck fills this gap in his role as Vice Chancellor.
Scholz has expressed similar positions in his speeches. But what distinguishes the two in their rhetoric?
The video is very clear and clear in its message, but still empathetic and differentiated. This is something that is hardly known from social media. Habeck manages to make a clear statement in this heated situation that summarizes German values. That’s what makes it so special. It is rhetorically extremely well done and illuminates all sides. What’s unusual is that it’s very long for social media and yet very successful.
Video | Habeck’s speech: “Do not tolerate anti-Semitism in any form”
Those: Social Media
Is that what differentiates Habeck and Scholz? The clarity and the emotional?
That and also the differentiation. In Germany, debates are often polarizing and Habeck manages to make shades of gray visible. He manages to combine all positions, which is why he receives support from all ranks. Especially in a situation like this, you need a person who can provide orientation and a mission statement without offending people. Habeck has this rhetorical ability, many others don’t have it.
Does Habeck’s speech undermine the Chancellor’s position or do you think it was coordinated?
This debate is now boiling over. My assessment: Of course it was coordinated. Habeck would not have done this without first consulting the Chancellor.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is not quite as clear, saying on ZDF, for example, that there are no 100% truths. Why is that?
Habeck and Baerbock have two different roles. Baerbock has to represent Germany abroad and cannot alienate his partners in the Middle East. Habeck has a different legroom. And it is a speech that is aimed at the domestic political situation in Germany.
Who exactly is Habeck’s speech aimed at?
That’s exciting because it has different target groups. On the one hand, it is clearly aimed at the Islamic and Muslim associations, from whom it demands more responsibility. But he is also critical of his own bubble. For example, to left-wing activists, he probably has Fridays for Future International in mind. That’s what’s special because he doesn’t just make friends in his own camp. It is also an attempt to bring orientation to a confusing debate. In doing so, he is addressing citizens who are uncertain – and there are many of them.
2023-11-03 07:48:57.740 – 1698997737740
Habeck’s speech is a sweeping blow. Isn’t that also risky? In the past, the Greens have often been accused of appearing too didactic.
