Germany’s failure to lead the EU is becoming a problem

Visit Brussels now, however, and all you hear is stories of German ineptitude. The dysfunction of Olaf Scholz’s three-party coalition is spilling over into Europe, complicating day-to-day business as Germany’s governing parties bicker and feud. Old alliances are being reshaped as Germany’s friends work around it. As chancellor, Mr Scholz appears to have no aptitude for Mrs Merkel’s patient approach to dealmaking. At summits of EU leaders he states the German position and appears surprised when others fail to fall into line.