Olaf Scholz, 63, only succeeded Angela Merkel, 67, as Chancellor last week after Germany spent 16-years being governed by the nations first-ever female leader.<\/p>\n
However, the ex-general secretary of the SDP has already left his mark on the top German job after deploying some characteristically vague and formulaic responses to journalists during a press conference with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, 53.<\/p>\n
During his joint appearance with Mr Morawiecki on Sunday, Mr Scholz was unable to clarify Berlins position on the controversial pipeline between Russia and Germany, known as Nord Stream 2.<\/p>\n
Instead Mr Scholz is reported to have claimed Germany will no longer be using gas as an energy resource in 25-years time.<\/p>\n
However, Warsaw has come out in opposition to the move and called on its partner in the European Union to stifle the pipeline plan.<\/p>\n
But this wasnt Mr Scholzs first official visit as Chancellor.<\/p>\n
He had already made the trip to the EUs main capital Brussels and to nearby Paris.<\/p>\n
The 63-year-old was greeted in Paris by French President Emmanuel Macron, 43, on Saturday with a fist bump.<\/p>\n
During his meeting with Mr Macron, who is himself up for re-election next year, the pair were asked about reports Russia could invade Ukraine and whether they would be ready to review Maastrichts criteria on inflation.<\/p>\n
But while the French President spent three minutes answering the questions, Mr Scholz said: One thing is very clear right now: we have to cooperate, we have to act, and put effort into this in Europe.<\/p>\n
But that requires that our borders hold firm, and we are working to de-escalate conflict.<\/p>\n
And we want to make sure that the future is open to everyone.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Read more from the original source:<\/p>\n
Anxious EU keen to settle key sticking point of hated Brexit deal, Coveney admits - Daily Express<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Olaf Scholz, 63, only succeeded Angela Merkel, 67, as Chancellor last week after Germany spent 16-years being governed by the nations first-ever female leader. However, the ex-general secretary of the SDP has already left his mark on the top German job after deploying some characteristically vague and formulaic responses to journalists during a press conference with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, 53 Continue reading