Madeline Chambers, Paul Carrel

BERLIN, (Reuters) – German Chancellor Olaf Scholz declared Wednesday that Europe’s largest economy would become more sustainable by investing in digitalization and climate protection. No one will be left behind in this significant transformation.

After Angela Merkel’s departure, Social Democrat Angela Schmidt addressed parliament for the first time. She focused largely upon domestic issues and stressed the importance of modernization, integration of more immigrants, and equal opportunities.

However, the 63 year old stressed that the European Union must be strengthened and transatlantic allies should stand shoulder to shoulder in face of threats such as Russia’s military buildup in Ukraine.

Germany’s new chancellor stated that “We have approximately 23 years before us in which fossil fuels must and will be eliminated which would mean the greatest transformation of industry and economy for at least 100 years.”

Scholz was vice-chancellor and finance minister under Merkel’s coalition over the last four years. He has promised that his unusual three-way alliance with the liberal Free Democrats and ecological Greens would lead to a “restart.”

However, his immediate concern would be to tackle the pandemic. He warned that there will be no red lines for his government when it comes to fighting Germany’s Fourth Wave and urged citizens not only to be immunized but also to be vigilant.

Scholz spoke out on foreign policy and stated that Germany was committed to the European Union’s success. His government also plans to work with the bloc in strengthening it. Qualified majority voting should be expanded at the European Council.

Scholz is scheduled to attend his first EU summit on Thursday as chancellor. This comes after Merkel led the bloc through numerous crises in her 16 year tenure.

They share a common, pragmatic, and conciliatory approach. Their calm, rather than charismatic, attitude is evident in their sober speech Wednesday, in which they thanked Merkel for her transfer that was, he stated, a worldwide lesson in citizenry.

Concerning Europe’s immediate crisis, Scholz repeated warnings about Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Berlin wanted to continue dialogue however.

The leader, who visited Paris, Brussels and Warsaw in the wake of his election last Wednesday, stated that “we will speak with one vocal voice here with European partners and transatlantic allies.”