04.05.2026
Spotify · Table Today (in German)
One Year of Merz – The Verdict. With Wolfgang Schmidt.
Brief conversation with Michael Bröcker on the podcast "Table Today" – 4 May 2026
In a brief conversation with Michael Bröcker, Wolfgang Schmidt offers a forgiving assessment after one year of the CDU/CSU–SPD coalition — he knows how hard governing is. He brushes aside the accusation that the SPD is the brake of the coalition: he has been unable to find the supposedly obstructive left-wing functionaries "despite the most intensive search".
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17.04.2026
Spotify · Machtmenschen (in German)
Machtmenschen: Wolfgang Schmidt on the Scholz Years, the War and the End of the Coalition
Conversation with FOCUS Editor-in-Chief Franziska Reich – published 17 April 2026
Few people experienced the Scholz years as closely as Wolfgang Schmidt – as the Chancellor's closest confidant and Chief of the Federal Chancellery. In the podcast "Machtmenschen", he speaks with FOCUS Editor-in-Chief Franziska Reich about the moment it became clear Putin would attack, about the end of the coalition government he considered "unnecessary", and what remains of those years.
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16.04.2026
ZDF · Markus Lanz (in German)
Markus Lanz, 16 April 2026
Guest appearance on 16 April 2026
How the debate over tax cuts escalated into a coalition dispute – and on the explosive investigative reporting into the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline in 2022.
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02.04.2026
Spotify · RONZHEIMER. (in German)
Why Germany Underestimates the Iran Crisis. With Wolfgang Schmidt
Conversation with Paul Ronzheimer – also available as video on YouTube
The war against Iran is not a distant event – it affects Germany too. Wolfgang Schmidt talks to Paul Ronzheimer about crisis management, overnight calls and decisions under uncertainty inside the Chancellery. How vulnerable is Germany's economic model in geopolitical conflicts – and what lessons can be drawn from the 2022 energy crisis?
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29.03.2026
Agenda Pública (in Spanish)
Wolfgang Schmidt and Enma López: The answer to Trump must be more Europe
Interview with Enma López (PSOE) for Agenda Pública – published 29 March 2026 · in Spanish
In Madrid, Wolfgang Schmidt spoke with Enma López, Deputy Spokesperson of the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE), about the geopolitical challenges facing Europe – from Trump to Russia. Their shared conclusion: the answer to global fragmentation cannot be less Europe, but more Europe.
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26.03.2026
Internationale Politik Quarterly (in English)
Fast Forward: A Wider Conception of German Foreign Policy
Essay in Internationale Politik Quarterly – published 26 March 2026
Wolfgang Schmidt makes a case for a wider conception of German foreign policy: fiscal policy, Germany’s economic model, and the defence of democracy must be understood as key elements of any future foreign policy. Traditional walls between domestic and foreign policy need to come down.
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10.03.2026
YouTube · Bruno Kreisky Forum Vienna
How Can You Still Govern Today, Mr Schmidt?
From the Engine Room of Power – Robert Misik in conversation with Wolfgang Schmidt · in German
Governing today: difficulties, complexities and dilemmas. How do you hold coalition partners together in the engine room of government? How do you pursue long-term plans when the fruits may only be harvested by successor governments?
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04.03.2025
Spotify · El Circo del Poder / Sonora UC3M
European Voices: Wolfgang Schmidt at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
Podcast recording of a conversation on 4 March 2025 – in English
Within the MACIES Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, Wolfgang Schmidt spoke with students at Carlos III University in Madrid about the EU’s strategic autonomy, the future of Europe and German domestic politics.
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19.02.2026
ZDF · Markus Lanz (in German)
Markus Lanz: Four Years of War in Ukraine
Guest on the programme of 19 February 2026
Russia’s conduct of the war, the growing importance of drone technology, and the diplomatic efforts to bring the conflict to an end.
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22.01.2026
ZDF · Markus Lanz (in German)
Markus Lanz: The Greenland Dispute, Trump and Russia’s Interests
Guest on the programme of 22 January 2026
On the state of transatlantic relations, the shifting European security architecture, Donald Trump’s presidency, and diplomatic work behind the scenes.
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19.01.2026
Podcast RONZHEIMER (in German)
Is Europe Breaking with Trump?
Paul Ronzheimer podcast – published 19 January 2026
Donald Trump is openly threatening Europe with tariffs, political pressure and demands over Greenland. Paul Ronzheimer speaks with Wolfgang Schmidt about Trump’s escalation strategy, Europe’s possible response, and how real the security threat actually is.
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19.01.2026
ZEIT (in German)
What Is the SPD Doing Wrong?
Debate in DIE ZEIT with Lord Maurice Glasman
Social democrats need to pay more attention to working people, argues British Labour politician Maurice Glasman. Wolfgang Schmidt responds: that’s exactly what we’ve been doing.
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17.12.2025
Podcast RONZHEIMER (in German)
Is Germany Sending Troops to Ukraine?
Paul Ronzheimer podcast – published 17 December 2025
Paul Ronzheimer speaks with Wolfgang Schmidt about the ongoing Ukraine peace negotiations, the role of the US team around Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and what realistic security guarantees might look like if Ukraine does not join NATO.
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04.12.2025
Podcast NZZ Machtspiel (in German)
How Much Time Does the SPD Have Left, Mr Schmidt?
NZZ Machtspiel – published 4 December 2025
Wolfgang Schmidt, former head of the Federal Chancellery under Olaf Scholz, looks with concern at the current coalition between the conservatives and his party, the SPD. He remains an optimist: the SPD will return above 20 per cent, he says, because it is a party that tries to hold things together.
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06.11.2025
Spiegel (in German)
»We looked into the abyss – and it grew bigger every day«
Joint interview in Der Spiegel, 6 November 2025
One year after the collapse of the Ampel coalition, Wolfgang Schmidt, Anja Hajduk and Steffen Saebisch speak about their own mistakes – and about Olaf Scholz.
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09.08.2025
Podcast RONZHEIMER · Debate (in German)
DEBATE: Is the Welfare State Over? Poschardt vs. Schmidt
RONZHEIMER. THE DEBATE – with Ulf Poschardt, moderated by Paul Ronzheimer
Can Germany still afford its welfare state? WELT publisher Ulf Poschardt and former Chancellery chief Wolfgang Schmidt debate the citizen’s income, taxation and the future of the German social model.
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20.07.2025
ZEIT (in German)
Did Olaf Scholz Blow Up the Coalition?
Debate in DIE ZEIT with Robin Alexander
The coalition collapsed because the Chancellor tried to please everyone, argues author Robin Alexander. Wolfgang Schmidt responds: leadership means holding things together – something Merz is now learning.
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19.07.2025
Hamburger Abendblatt (in German)
Life After Politics: “I’ve seen Scholz twice since May”
Hamburger Abendblatt – published 19 July 2025
For more than two decades, Wolfgang Schmidt accompanied the Chancellor. Of the Ampel coalition he says: “We failed successfully.”
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15.09.2025
YouTube · taz (in German)
The Art of Compromise – taz Talk with Wolfgang Schmidt
taz Talk, 15 September 2025
Wolfgang Schmidt reflects on the Ampel coalition and draws conclusions: what should progressive forces do to win back majorities in Germany? With Anna Lehmann and Andreas Fanizadeh.
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06.06.2025
YouTube · Bucerius Law School (in German)
Stagnation or Reform? Compromise as a Democratic Art
Expert discussion at the Bucerius Law School Studium generale – 6 June 2025
How can democracy become more effective without compromising its principles? Wolfgang Schmidt discussed with political scientist Dr Julia Reuschenbach and Prof Dr Benjamin-Immanuel Hoff (moderator) the need for state reform, the debt brake, and the art of democratic compromise.
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10.05.2025
Podcast RONZHEIMER (in German)
Inside the Chancellery: What State Secrets Merz Is Learning Now
Paul Ronzheimer podcast – published 10 May 2025
Paul Ronzheimer speaks with Wolfgang Schmidt, just days into his post-ministerial life, about working in the Federal Chancellery: what secrets is Merz being briefed on? And how much does a Chancellery minister need to worry about Russian intelligence?
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07.03.2025
YouTube · phoenix persönlich (in German)
phoenix persönlich: Wolfgang Schmidt with Eva Lindenau
Portrait interview in the phoenix persönlich series
Wolfgang Schmidt speaks with Eva Lindenau about his political career, his years at the Federal Chancellery, and his views on the future of German politics.
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24.02.2025
ARD – Hart aber fair (in German)
Hart aber fair: Will the Grand Coalition Make a Comeback?
Guest with Louis Klamroth – published 24 February 2025
The conservative alliance won the 2025 federal election. Will a grand coalition with the SPD now follow? Wolfgang Schmidt discussed coalition options and lessons from the election results with Philipp Amthor, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Andreas Audretsch and others.
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21.02.2025
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (in German)
Federal Election 2025: What Role Do the Spin Doctors Play?
Article in the FAZ, 21 February 2025
Olaf Scholz appeared more emotional, Friedrich Merz sharper, Robert Habeck calmer: Wolfgang Schmidt analyses the role of political advisers in the final stretch of the campaign.
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21.02.2025
El País (in Spanish)
“The US tech oligarchs have their agenda. In Europe we must unite.”
Portrait in the Spanish newspaper El País · in Spanish
The head of the Federal Chancellery, Scholz’s closest ally, rejects criticism of having dragged his feet on Ukraine support.
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20.02.2025
Spotify · Playlist (in German)
Songs and Politics – the Playlist from the Evening with Carsten Brosda
Event at the Logensaal, Hamburg Kammerspiele – 20 February 2025
Wolfgang Schmidt and Hamburg’s Senator for Culture Dr Carsten Brosda listened through a selection of their favourite songs and discussed their political meaning. Music has always been political – from workers’ songs to today’s anthems.
Open playlist
19.02.2025
SAT.1 (in German)
Conversation with Wladimir Klitschko on Ukraine
SAT.1 report – 19 February 2025
Wladimir Klitschko was a guest at the ABATON cinema in Hamburg. Wolfgang Schmidt spoke with him about the mood in the country and the implications of the new US administration’s announcements.
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18.02.2025
ZEIT (in German)
“Why Does Everything in Germany Take So Long, Mr Schmidt?”
ZEIT interview – Plan D format – published 18 February 2025
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17.02.2025
taz – die tageszeitung (in German)
The Man at Scholz’s Right Hand
Portrait in taz – die tageszeitung, 17 February 2025
Wolfgang Schmidt spent years working at the key levers of power – as State Councillor, State Secretary, and head of the Federal Chancellery.
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16.02.2025
POLITICO (in German)
Podcast Interview at the Munich Security Conference
In conversation with Gordon Repinski of POLITICO – published 16 February 2025
Wolfgang Schmidt spoke with Gordon Repinski on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference about support for Ukraine and the challenges facing German security policy.
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16.02.2025
MSC 2025 (in German)
Wolfgang Schmidt meets Marvin Neumann
YouTube Studio at the Munich Security Conference 2025
Wolfgang Schmidt spoke with Marvin Neumann about Germany’s defence capability and the security policy challenges it faces.
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16.02.2025
POLITICO Berlin Playbook (in German)
Security Conference: Scholz Responds to Vance, Ukraine in Focus
Gordon Repinski podcast – published 16 February 2025
Wolfgang Schmidt spoke with Gordon Repinski about Vance’s speech at the Munich Security Conference, support for Ukraine, and Germany’s security policy response.
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11.02.2025
SAT.1 (in German)
“I Want to Make a Real Difference for Eimsbüttel”
SAT.1 report, 11 February 2025
SAT.1 accompanied Wolfgang Schmidt in the Hamburg district of Eimsbüttel: canvassing at a shopping centre, a door-to-door campaign and a local engagement.
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07.02.2025
POLITICO Berlin Playbook (in German)
“The Shadow Man” – POLITICO Berlin Playbook Podcast
Interview with Gordon Repinski – published 7 February 2025
Gordon Repinski met Wolfgang Schmidt in Hamburg and spoke with him about his work in the federal government and his candidacy for the Bundestag.
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06.02.2025
ZDF – Markus Lanz (in German)
Markus Lanz: The Election Campaign and the Path to Forming a Government
Programme of 6 February 2025 on ZDF
Wolfgang Schmidt was a guest on Markus Lanz. Topics: the election campaign, migration and economic policy, and the challenging road to forming a government after the federal election.
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06.02.2025
Augsburger Allgemeine (in German)
“When the Minister Rings the Doorbell”
Augsburger Allgemeine, 6 February 2025
Wolfgang Schmidt is the man behind Olaf Scholz: Chancellery chief, loyal spin doctor, a mechanic of power.
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05.02.2025
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (in German)
The SPD Before the Election
Portrait in the FAZ, 5 February 2025
For 20 years Wolfgang Schmidt was the Chancellor’s most loyal ally. Now he wants to strike out on his own and enter the Bundestag.
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04.02.2025
Podcast RONZHEIMER (in German)
“Friedrich Merz Has Broken His Word.”
Paul Ronzheimer podcast – published 4 February 2025
Wolfgang Schmidt spoke about the debate on migration and asylum policy and the CDU’s crossing of a political red line in the Bundestag.
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04.02.2025
Gute Leude – Das Hamburg Gespräch (in German)
Podcast: Gute Leude – The Hamburg Conversation
In conversation with Lars Meier – published 4 February 2025
Wolfgang Schmidt spoke with Lars Meier about his connection to Hamburg, his long working relationship with Olaf Scholz, and his candidacy for the Bundestag.
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29.01.2025
Round Table Podcast (in German)
“I Still Hope the CDU Will Step Back from the Brink.”
Round Table podcast – published 29 January 2025
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25.01.2025
NDR (in German)
Federal Election Campaign in Eimsbüttel
NDR report, 25 January 2025
NDR’s Hamburg Journal accompanied the Bundestag candidates in the Eimsbüttel constituency – including Wolfgang Schmidt.
Watch report
23.01.2025
ZDF – Maybrit Illner (in German)
Maybrit Illner: “Trump Is Serious – Is Germany Prepared This Time?”
Guest on ZDF talk show, 23 January 2025
Wolfgang Schmidt discussed Trump’s return and Germany’s security preparedness with Jens Spahn and other guests.
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22.01.2025
ZEIT (in German)
“Schmidteinander”
ZEIT report, 22 January 2025
Wolfgang Schmidt, the Chancellor’s closest ally, has always worked for Olaf Scholz. Now he wants to enter the Bundestag himself.
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17.01.2025
Focus (in German)
“Mr Schmidt’s Feel for Power”
Focus report, 17 January 2025
Wolfgang Schmidt is Olaf Scholz’s closest confidant and runs the Federal Chancellery. Now he is campaigning for himself.
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14.01.2025
Hamburger Abendblatt (in German)
“The Scholz Update” – with Chancellery Minister Wolfgang Schmidt
Abendblatt podcast with Lars Haider – published 14 January 2025
For three years Wolfgang Schmidt worked primarily behind the scenes of high politics – now he is standing as a direct candidate.
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12.01.2025
ZDF – Berlin direkt (in German)
“We Must Not Play Off the Bundeswehr’s Equipment Against Pensions”
Interview on Berlin direkt, ZDF – 12 January 2025
Wolfgang Schmidt spoke about the future of defence spending and the question of whether military investment should come at the expense of social benefits.
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03.01.2025
Hamburger Abendblatt (in German)
“Chancellery Chief Fights for Votes in Hamburg – and Against the Snow”
Hamburger Abendblatt, 3 January 2025
Wolfgang Schmidt launched his election campaign outside a supermarket in Hamburg’s Hoheluft district – in challenging weather.
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10.12.2024
Süddeutsche Zeitung (in German)
“Hamburg SPD Elects Chancellery Chief as Lead Candidate”
Süddeutsche Zeitung, 10 December 2024
Wolfgang Schmidt leads the Hamburg SPD as its top candidate into the federal election campaign.
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25.11.2024
NDR (in German)
NDR Report on Nomination as SPD Candidate in Eimsbüttel
NDR Hamburg – November 2024
Wolfgang Schmidt was nominated by the Hamburg Eimsbüttel SPD as their direct candidate for the federal election.
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25.11.2024
Hamburger Abendblatt (in German)
“Why Scholz Loyalist Wolfgang Schmidt Is Now Running in Hamburg”
Hamburger Abendblatt, 25 November 2024
Chancellery Minister Schmidt is standing for the Bundestag in Eimsbüttel.
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20.11.2024
Bundestag (in German)
Inflation Is Falling, Real Wages Are Rising
Statement at the Government Briefing – 20 November 2024
Wolfgang Schmidt presented a record of the government’s work to Bundestag members in his capacity as Federal Minister for Special Affairs.
Watch statement
08.08.2024
Hamburger Abendblatt (in German)
“Chancellery Minister Schmidt Stands in Eimsbüttel Constituency”
Hamburger Abendblatt, 8 August 2024
Scholz’s confidant wants to enter the Bundestag from Hamburg in 2025.
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01.08.2024
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (in German)
“Chancellery Chief Wolfgang Schmidt Wants to Enter the Bundestag”
FAZ, 1 August 2024
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07.06.2024
taz (in German)
“Does the Chancellor Still Want to Save the Climate?”
taz report, 7 June 2024
Chancellery Minister Wolfgang Schmidt spoke at the Urania Berlin about climate policy and the priorities a government should set.
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27.05.2024
re:publica / WDR Europaforum (in German)
re:publica 2024: Weak Coalition, Strong Shift to the Right?
WDR Europaforum at re:publica – conversation with Sabine Scholt
Can the red-green-yellow coalition be held partly responsible for the rise of the AfD given its mistakes and infighting? Wolfgang Schmidt, head of the Federal Chancellery, answers at the WDR Europaforum 2024.
05.05.2024
NZZ (in German)
“The Most Important Member of the German Chancellor’s Team Prefers to Stay in the Background”
NZZ, 5 May 2024
Wolfgang Schmidt sits in an armchair in his Chancellery office, with two Gerhard Richter paintings on the wall behind him.
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05.12.2023
Spiegel (in German)
“This Discreet Trio Keeps the Coalition Running”
Der Spiegel, 5 December 2023
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30.08.2023
Stern (in German)
“Is the Government’s Crisis Also Down to This Man?”
Stern, 30 August 2023
Wolfgang Schmidt is Olaf Scholz’s closest confidant. His job is to hold the coalition together – in theory.
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27.08.2023
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (in German)
“Wolfgang Schmidt: The Chancellor’s Defender”
FAZ, 27 August 2023
Rarely seen on television, the head of the Federal Chancellery fights internally for the Chancellor’s success.
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17.02.2023
POLITICO (in English)
Meet Olaf Scholz’s Shadow Foreign Minister
POLITICO, 17 February 2023
Wolfgang Schmidt pulls the strings on all major German government decisions – and sidelines the foreign ministry when necessary.
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08.02.2023
Tagesschau (in German)
“The Man at Scholz’s Side”
tagesschau.de, 8 February 2023
Wolfgang Schmidt is not one for the limelight. The Chancellery minister preferred to pull the strings from behind the scenes.
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05.05.2023
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (in German)
“Germany’s Chief Coordinator”
FAZ, 5 May 2023
Wolfgang Schmidt has to hold together a three-party coalition – and reconcile the interests of the federal government and 16 states.
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11.04.2023
ZEIT (in German)
“The Powerful Man Behind Scholz”
ZEIT, 11 April 2023
He is the Chancellor’s most important adviser. Yet hardly anyone in the public knows his name.
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01.01.2023
Stern (in German)
“Wolfgang Schmidt: His Job Is to Make the Chancellor Shine”
Stern, 1 January 2023
The year 2022 in the coalition was also a year of hard work behind the scenes.
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14.09.2022
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (in German)
“Nothing Works in the Coalition Without These Three”
FAZ, 14 September 2022
Wolfgang Schmidt, Anja Hajduk and Steffen Saebisch coordinate government action for Scholz, Habeck and Lindner. They speak daily, hold the partners together, and anticipate conflicts before they erupt – an early warning system in the engine room of power.
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08.10.2021
YouTube · German Dream (in German)
#GermanDream: In Conversation with Wolfgang Schmidt
Düzen Tekkal in conversation with Wolfgang Schmidt, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Finance
What should the Germany look like that we all want to live well in? Wolfgang Schmidt spoke with Düzen Tekkal about Germany’s transformation, new political constellations, and his personal #GermanDream: that Germany becomes a country of hope.
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06.06.2021
Süddeutsche Zeitung (in German)
The Man in Scholz’s Shadow
Portrait in the Süddeutsche Zeitung, 6 June 2021
Without Wolfgang Schmidt, there would probably be no Federal Finance Minister, Vice-Chancellor and SPD Chancellor candidate Olaf Scholz. For nearly 30 years Schmidt has been Scholz’s closest confidant.
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27.05.2017
Hamburger Abendblatt (in German)
Why Hamburg Also Has a “Foreign Minister”
Hamburger Abendblatt, 27 May 2017
Wolfgang Schmidt represents the city-state in Brussels and Berlin – and as State Councillor helps organise the G20 summit in Hamburg.
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