Germany′s new government: A new style Germany

In 1980 a young member of parliament was put in his place. "When we elect the chancellor tomorrow, I expect you to dress properly and wear a tie," Parliament Vice President Annemarie Renger told the young Gerhard Schröder. Almost two decades later Schröder himself was to become chancellor — and became notorious for his expensive and elegant suits and coats.

During his election campaign,Olaf Scholz was often asked whether he'd start wearing a tie if he were to become chancellor. His response was always noncommittal: "I'll be wearing a tie most of the time — but not always," he said.

The prospective head of government has sometimes displayed a penchant for casual attire. When he arrived in Washington this year, Finance Minister Scholz walked down the gangway of the government jet dressed in a T-shirt and sand-colored slacks.

Read more at: Germany′s new government: A new style | Germany | News and in-depth reporting from Berlin and beyond | DW | 05.12.2021