German efficiency

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has been leading his country since 2021, at the head of a fragile tri-party coalition. On December 16, he dissolved parliament after losing a vote of no confidence, paving the way towards early elections in February, 2025. Interestingly, Scholz himself asked for a vote of confidence even when he was sure to lose. This is generally the only way a German government can dissolve parliament and ensure early elections. The process was designed specifically by the post-war founders of modern Germany to avoid political instability.

It is striking how smoothly this all took place, in stark contrast to what happens in our country when a government comes to an end. This speaks to the wisdom of the German founders. Political instability is the mother of all evils for a democracy. All efforts should be made in Pakistan also to crawl out of the present quagmire of political uncertainty. It is also expected that the procedure adopted would be as effective and dignified as the one the Germans have.

Farrukh Shahab

Lahore