Machtwechsel: The new generation of German politicians 

Germany’s ‘traffic light’ coalition has ushered in a new age of German politics – and a new generation of political figures. Last year, in a departure from the staid Merkel era, German citizens elected a parliament that is less ‘pale, male, and stale’ than ever before. The new cabinet reflects this change – in terms of youth and gender at least. 

In this week’s episode, Mark Leonard, interviews the German author and journalist, Anna Sauerbrey. They discuss her latest book, “Machtwechsel” (Change of Power), in which she analyses how this diverse intake is challenging the status quo of German politics. But how does Chancellor Olaf Scholz fit in? What is a ‘Zeitgenosse’? And what do white sneakers have to do with anything? 

This podcast was recorded on 6 July 2022. 

Further reading 

• Machtwechsel by Anna Sauerbrey  
• War and Indignation by Jürgen Habermas in Süddeutsche Zeitung  
• A Millennial considers the new German Problem after 30 Years of Peace by Ulrike Franke in War on the Rocks  

Bookshelf:   

• East West Street by Philipp Sands 
• The Economic Weapon: The Rise of Sanctions as a Tool of Modern War by Nicholas Mulder