The Press MONDAY, MAY 20, 1974. West Germany’s new leaders

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33538, 20 May 1974, Page 12

The Press MONDAY, MAY 20, 1974. West Germany’s new leaders

The new West German Chancellor (Mr Schmidt) and the new President (Mr Scheel) are expected to give the country more resolute political guidance than it enjoyed under Mr Brandt, who resigned recently after an East German spy was discovered on his personal staff. Mr Scheel is now removed from active politics, for the President of the Federal Republic is expected to stand above party politics; nevertheless, he is expected to work closely with Mr Schmidt on most elements of domestic and foreign policy. As a member of the smaller party in the coalition which rules West Germany his elevation to President is unprecedented: it should free him from undue pressure from either of the major parties—the Social Democrats or the opposition Christian Democrats.

It was Mr Scheel who, as Federal Foreign Minister, most clearly emphasised that the chief aim of the coalition of Social Democrats and his own Free Democrats was the preservation of peace in Europe. Mr Brandt's overtures to Russia, Poland, and East Germany were designed to enhance this policy. Mr Schmidt has been notable for his efforts to establish stronger relations between his own party and the Free Democrats, who have gained increasing electoral support in the last five or six years. Loss of voting strength by the Social Democrats —some of it to the Christian 1 Democrats and some to their coalition partners—has been attributed to the so-called “ Marxist elements ” infiltrating the party. Mr Brandt was reluctant to challenge the Jusos (Socialist youth) in the party, Mr Schmidt, it is believed, will not hesitate to purge them from the party ranks. The gain in electoral strength by the Free Democrats could be embarrassing for the new Chancellor if it leads to demands for wider participation in the shaping of policy generally. Mr Brandt's ideas on European integration will probably be kept in the forefront, although not pressed as ardently as they have been. Above all else, Mr Schmidt is a German nationalist. He will want to speak for West Germany more authoritatively on European affairs than in the past, especially after the changes in leadership in France: and he will make no secret of his firm belief that there can be no security for Western Europe without the willing co-operation of the United States.