In an exclusive interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung, Chancellor Olaf Scholz opened up about his love for reading and the books that have influenced him. He mentioned that his reading preferences vary, ranging from novels to non-fiction and even comics. When asked about the first book he read as a child, Scholz mentioned that his parents always encouraged reading and had classic children’s literature like “Krabat” by Ottfried Preußler and Karl May’s works, such as “Winnetou” and “Old Shatterhand,” on their bookshelves.
Scholz spoke fondly about his early experiences with books, sharing that he and his brothers used to share a room and sometimes read secretly under the covers with flashlights. He emphasized that reading has been an integral part of his life, and he continues to enjoy it, switching between different genres based on his preferences at any given time.
During his youth, Scholz had a keen interest in science fiction and mentioned authors like Frank Herbert and Douglas Adams. However, he also delved into political literature, reading works like Urs Jaeggi’s “Capital and Labor in the Federal Republic” and the first books of the Club of Rome, which explored topics like climate change and environmental pollution. Additionally, he mentioned reading books on gender equality by authors such as Simone de Beauvoir and Anja Meulenbelt, among others.
When asked about whether he discusses books with other politicians or world leaders, Scholz revealed that he recently had a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron about Mohamed Mbougar Sarr’s “The Most Secret Memory of People,” a book that both leaders admired.
Scholz expressed his belief in the importance of reading books that challenge one’s perspective and provide new and unknown experiences. He mentioned that he reads in various places, including sitting, standing, or even in the car or airplane.
As for literary plans for the future, Scholz stated that he currently focuses on his role as Chancellor and has not made any specific plans for writing or publishing books.
Overall, Chancellor Scholz emphasized that books play a crucial role in complementing his interactions with citizens as a politician, allowing him to gain different perspectives and insights that enrich his understanding of the world. He finds reading to be a valuable source of inspiration and a way to connect with various topics and ideas.
https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/aktuelles/interview-kanzler-sueddeutsche-zeitung-2204586