By Michael Nienaber

BERLIN, (Reuters) – On Wednesday, German legislators elected Social Democrat Olaf Scholz the new chancellor. It ends 16 years of conservative rule by Angela Merkel. The move opens the door to a proEuropean coalition government that promises green investment.

Scholz (63), who was vice chancellor in Merkel’s previous government and also served as finance minister, won a clear majority with 395 votes, Bundestag President Baerbel Bas stated.

Scholz, who wore a mask to cover his face and waved at lawmakers as he was given a standing ovation, also received bouquets from leaders of the various parliamentary groups.

Scholz, who was nominated in Bellevue Castle by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, will be returning to Parliament to administer the oath to office to the legislators.

Merkel will give the chancelery to the next leader of Europe’s largest economy, who is currently facing an awful fourth wave coronavirus infection.

Scholz is a down-to-earth, no-nonsense person who has made himself the natural successor to Merkel and an experienced pair of hands for Germany’s challenges. These include dealing with Russia more aggressively and China more assertively.

Scholz will head a three-way federal ruling coalition that includes the Greens (pro-spending and environmentally-friendly) as well as the libertarian Free Democrats, which are unlikely to be able to compete with Scholz – a group of political friends who have never met before.