Analysis | Wolfgang Schaeuble: warhorse in a wheelchair who relished being Europe’s ‘bad cop’ in debt crisis
Paralysed from the chest down since an assassination attempt in 1990, Schaeuble, the acerbic architect of euro zone austerity, has served eight years in office as German finance minister
German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble, the warhorse of the debt crisis, attends his final meeting of euro zone ministers on Monday as variously the most loathed or loved figures in EU politics.
Schaeuble, 75, is the acerbic architect of euro zone austerity, who over eight years of financial turmoil in Europe imposed his tough-love vision of how to run an economy with hard-up and often desperate partners such as Ireland, Portugal and most dramatically, Greece.
One of Germany’s most popular politicians, Schaeuble steps down after eight years in office to become speaker of the new parliament following elections that saw inroads by far right nationalists.
An object of hatred at protests across Europe, Schaeuble bows out of the Eurogroup, the monthly meeting of euro zone finance ministers, immensely respected by his minister partners and already a political icon who has left an unquestioned mark on Europe.
“Schaeuble in a way personifies German brutality and seriousness, but he is also a delectable character,” said former French finance minister Michel Sapin, who expressed admiration for the man’s wit and love of Europe.
