GERMANY: The rise and rise of the SPD – Implications
Just over a month ahead of the 26 September Bundestag elections, momentum for the Social Democrats (SPD) appears to be growing. Their chancellor candidate, Finance Minister Olaf Scholz, has long been the most popular of the three contenders. Now, however, his party is also beginn… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
GERMANY: Beyond the Afghanistan disaster, a migration debate might loom
Amid Berlin’s badly delayed evacuation mission for Afghanistan, centrist parties seem to have decided that looking ill-prepared is preferable to a conversation about Germany’s foreign and migration policies of the last decades. In a somewhat nonchalant demeanor, Chancellor Angela… Become a member to read the rest of this article
GERMANY: Austere kingmakers?
With just over six weeks to go until the 26 September Bundestag elections, opinion polls suggest that the next government might, for the first time, have to be made up of three partners. A three-way coalition was already the assumption for any government without Armin Laschet’s C… Become a member to read the rest […]
GERMANY: It’s the pandemic, stupid!
The Greens are trying to regain momentum for their campaign with the promise of a climate protection ministry. It would be equipped with the same cabinet veto power as the finance ministry. As discussed in the aftermath of the flood catastrophe, however, the most important questi… Become a member to read the rest of […]
GERMANY: Flood catastrophe – electoral implications
After last weekend’s flood catastrophe in western parts of the country, much of the commentary has focused on comparisons with similar events in 2013 and in 2002, and their effects on the elections in these years. There is a widespread expectation that the climate change-induced … Become a member to read the rest of […]
GERMANY: Geopolitical prospects beyond Merkel
Chancellor Angela Merkel has arrived in Washington for her first official visit since the inauguration of US President Joe Biden. At the same time, this is likely to be Merkel’s final trip to the US before her 16 years at the chancellery come to an end after the September … Become a member to […]
GERMANY: A manifesto for the country’s last catch-all party
Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian alliance (CDU/CSU) has presented its manifesto, the cabinet has officially adopted the 2022 budget and the fiscal outlook until 2025, and the Bundestag is concluding its final session in this legislative period. With this week’s developments, … Become a member to read the rest of this article
GERMANY: Saxony-Anhalt election and party manifestos ahead
Last week’s constitutional court ruling on Germany’s climate law has not remained without consequences. The Karlsruhe judges decreed that, in its current form, the law violates the freedoms of future generations in that it postpones the most drastic climate adjustment measures un… Become a member to read the rest of this article
GERMANY: What does it mean to go Green?
The Greens are rapidly emerging as the new centrist player in German party politics and will most likely be part of the next federal government.In its manifesto, the party supports ambitious public investment and a laxer approach to public debt, but coalitional politics will lik… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
Analysis – The surge of Germany’s Greens could change the country
Germany’s political landscape seems about to change, with the rise of the Green party under its charismatic leader Annalena Baerbock. Germany’s September election seems likely to result in a coalition government of the Greens, the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) and the Liberals. … Become a member to read the rest of this article