What happens Angela Merkel can’t work?

March 23, 2020

Angela Merkel is in quarantine! But that in itself is nothing to worry about. It’s not as if Germany has suddenly become a rudderless ship. Nor will it be rendered leaderless if the chancellor tests positive for COVID-19. In the best case scenario, Merkel can continue in charge of government as long as she feels up to it. In the event that she becomes too ill to work, her cabinet would continue to function without her. There are plans for such an event, too.

Article 69 of the Basic Law, or constitution, features a simple sentence: “The federal chancellor nominates a minister from the cabinet as deputy.” Currently, that deputy is Finance Minister Olaf Scholz. The Social Democrat also stands in for the chancellor when she is in full health but absent. A typical example would be an official visit abroad. In such cases, the vice chancellor chairs cabinet meetings, which usually take place on Wednesdays.

Read more: Follow the latest developments in our rolling coverage

Merkel’s deputy: Finance Minister Olaf Scholz

“Vice chancellor” is an unofficial term that is not mentioned in the Basic Law. The expression has made its way into everyday usage however, what’s meant though is “deputy.” In theory, Merkel could have nominated someone from her own party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) or its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU). In practice, however, the deputy chancellor always comes from the second-largest party in the governing coalition. At the moment, that is the Social Democratic Party (SPD), to which Olaf Scholz belongs.

Read more: Emergencies, disasters, curfews: Who decides what in Germany?

Finance Minister Olaf Scholz can stand in for the chancellor for as long as it takes

The possibility that the finance minister could stand in for the quarantined chancellor for weeks or even months is also covered by Paragraph 8 of the German government’s standing orders. In the event that the chancellor is “generally prevented from performing her duties,” Scholz would represent his boss “in all areas of government.” In this case, however, Merkel is entitled to determine the extent to which he may deputize.

All other cabinet members have deputies

There are also contingency plans for the not-so-unlikely case — given the rapid spread of coronavirus — that both the chancellor and her deputy are out of action at the same time. Each cabinet member has his or her own deputy.

In the event that Olaf Scholz could not carry out his duties, he would be represented by the economics minister, Peter Altmaier (CDU).

Read more: Opinion: The shock of coronavirus

Such a development would be a first in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany. No chancellor has ever been unable to conduct the business of government for a significant length of time.

Coronavirus: Europe on lockdown

Paris on lockdown

Activity on the bustling streets of Paris came to a complete halt after France announced a nationwide lockdown last Tuesday. People are not allowed to leave their homes, unless it is for a sanctioned reason such as buying food, visiting a doctor or going to work. The mayor of Paris, however, has called for stricter confinement measures as the number of infections increases worldwide.

Coronavirus: Europe on lockdown

Germany’s capital goes quiet

Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday announced tightened restrictions on movement in Germany. The nine-point plan includes no public gatherings of more than two people, keeping 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) distance between people at all times and the closure of restaurants. Later on Sunday, Merkel went into quarantine after being told she’d come into contact with a doctor who tested positive for COVID-19.

Coronavirus: Europe on lockdown

Foreigners barred, borders closed

In addition to limiting movement domestically, Germany has tightened restrictions on foreigners entering the country. As a result, traffic at the country’s busiest airport, in Frankfurt, has seen a significant drop.

Coronavirus: Europe on lockdown

Bavarians ordered to stay at home

The southern state of Bavaria imposed a statewide lockdown late last week to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Under the measures that will be in force for at least two weeks, people are not allowed to gather outside in groups and restaurants have been closed.

Coronavirus: Europe on lockdown

Britain urges social distancing

The United Kingdom has closed all bars, pubs and restaurants to combat the threat of coronavirus. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged all citizens to avoid all nonessential travel and contact with other people indefinitely.

Coronavirus: Europe on lockdown

Milan: In the heart of the pandemic

In recent weeks, the epicenter of the global coronavirus pandemic has shifted from China to Italy. The country has seen an exponentional increase in infections and deaths. Italy has been on a nationwide lockdown since March 10.

Coronavirus: Europe on lockdown

Vatican closes to public

While an overwhelming number of coronavirus cases have been recorded in Italy’s northern Lombardy region, Rome and Vatican City have also been forced to severely curb public gatherings. Popular tourist sites such as St. Peter’s Square have been closed.

Coronavirus: Europe on lockdown

Spain: One of Europe’s hardest-hit countries

The Spanish government on Sunday sought to extend the country’s state of emergency until April 11, close to a month after it was first imposed on March 14. Spain currently has the second-highest number of coronavirus cases in Europe, with Barcelona and Madrid particularly hard-hit.

Coronavirus: Europe on lockdown

Infection rate slows in Austria

Austria reported a 15% rise in confirmed coronavirus cases over the weekend, far lower than its peak rate of 40%. The decrease comes after the government imposed drastic social distancing measures across the country. Authorities in Vienna, however, aim to bring the rate down to single digits over the next three weeks.

Author: Seerat Chabba