The Rest Is Politics: Leading 177. Olaf Scholz: Putin, Power, and Far-Right Populism
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Feb 23, 2026 
Olaf Scholz, former German chancellor and long-serving politician, reflects on Russia, energy policy, and the rise of the far right. He discusses Germany’s ties to Russian gas, lessons from Crimea, and how political choices shaped energy dependence. He also explores the causes of AfD’s growth, the importance of respect and merit in society, and practical policy levers to strengthen social cohesion.
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Early Schooling Shaped Scholz’s Social Justice Drive
- Olaf Scholz grew up in Hamburg where only 7 of ~175 primary-school classmates went to Gymnasium, shaping his early sense of social justice.
- As mayor he reformed Hamburg schools so every regular-school pupil could still reach university, widening opportunity.
Energy Dependence Rooted In Earlier Decisions
- Scholz says many structural energy decisions and pipeline builds happened before he entered government, explaining Germany's Russian gas dependence.
- He had pushed for LNG terminals for years and raised them again in January 2022 to diversify supplies pre-invasion.
Putin Planned The Invasion Years In Advance
- Scholz argues Putin planned the Ukraine war years earlier and therefore bears primary responsibility for misreading Russian intent.
- He stresses Western leaders had privately and publicly reassured Russia NATO membership wasn't imminent, yet Putin pursued imperial aims anyway.
