German elections

A renewed German embrace of realpolitik would allow the EU as a whole to tackle the big questions facing it clear-eyed

European economy 10th October 2021

The EU After The German Elections: More Realpolitik?

European Views | The way the EU appears on the world stage, where it all too often seems weak, uncoordinated and overly moralising in its approach to world affairs. Germany’s long-time chancellor Merkel has played a key role in this. Throughout 16 years, Berlin has helped transform the EU into an ineffective paper tiger that styles itself as a superpower, yet that is frequently proving unable to deal effectively with hard geopolitical questions – from securing its borders to dealing with China. What is really needed is a new approach to EU foreign policy, especially at a time when German voters’ interest in foreign policy and EU affairs is at its lowest in years.

Today’s German election is likely to be one of the most open contests in decades

Relevant News Item 26th September 2021

Germany After Merkel: What’s Next?

Azad Zangana (Schroders) | Today’s is a major milestone election for Germany, and many will be keeping a close eye on the outcome. In any case, though we should see the results soon, negotiations to form the next coalition are likely to take several months given the potential wide range of combinations on offer. The new chancellor may not be inaugurated before 2022.

European politics 21st September 2021

German Election Guide

Nick Ottens (Atlantic Sentinel) | Germans elect a new Bundestag on Sunday, which will elect Angela Merkel’s successor. It is the first time since 1983 that a sitting chancellor isn’t seeking reelection. If the polls are right, Merkel’s center-right Christian Democrats will lose power to the center-left Social Democrats for the first time since 2005. Here is everything you need to know. Bottom lines The Social Democrats (SPD) are projected…

European economy 4th September 2021

Germany At The End Of The Merkel Era: The Next Coalition To Inherit An Economy Not Fully Recovered

Bruno Cavalier (ODDO BHF) | In a few weeks’ time, Angela Merkel will cease to be Chancellor, a position she has held since 2005. Polls show that the three main contenders to succeed her are tied. Despite Germany’s good performance in the first Covid-19 wave, successive waves of contagions brought new restrictions in early 2021, delaying the recovery. Also, Germany clearly suffers from its overexposure to the automotive industry, which is 25 points below normal.

European politics 1st September 2021

Laschet Is Dragging Germany’s Christian Democrats Down

Nick Ottens (Atlantic Sentinel) | It’s too soon to tell you I told you so. The German election is still a month away. But it is starting to look like the ruling Christian Democrats made a mistake nominating Armin Laschet, the prime minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, for the chancellorship. Laschet would succeed Angela Merkel, who is not seeking a fifth term after sixteen years in power. I argued in December…

In Europe 9th May 2017

France Distances Itself From The Worst-Case Scenario, But Also From The Best-Case

A political risk scenario is not taking shape in Europe, but that doesn’t mean there are no problems. They are still there and in France they will rear their head under the concept of “cohabitation.” The new president of the French Republic, more than likely, will have to live with the National Assembly being dominated by the traditional parties.

In Europe 23rd September 2013

Analysis: Angela Merkel’s Challenges

MADRID | By Fernando G. Urbaneja | Chancellor Angela Merkel has skilfully governed both Germany and Europe with ambiguity between her pragmatic proposals at home, and her tough declarations outside. Her victory opens a new stage for the German government and for Europe. She has become stronger, although she still needs to seduce.

World economy 17th September 2013

Fed’s meeting and German elections, events you don’t want to miss

MADRID | By Francisco López | Mark your calendars. For the first time in quite some time two major events for the future of markets and EU’s banking union are taking place in less than a month: the Fed’s meeting next Wednesday and the German elections on September 22. Is the tapering starting and by how much? Will Angela Merkel have to find a new political partner?

In Europe 12th September 2013

In Germany not all that glitters is gold

MADRID / FRANKFURT | By Tania Suárez and Lidia Conde | Practically all eyes are on the German elections of September 22 since apparently the future of all Europe lies on those results. However, German political parties have dodged the issue of the economic crisis in order to sell an image of an almighty Germany. Chancellor Angela Merkel represents the perfect German: an ordinary, accessible, hardworking woman concerned about her country. The perfect candidate for Germany… or not.

In Europe 6th September 2013

On the Right, Eurosceptics steal Merkel’s show

PARIS | By Thibaut Madelin at Les Echos via Presseurop | Among the – rare – unknowns of the September 22 elections is the eventual tally for the Alternative für Deutschland. The Eurosceptic party targets older and more conservative voters, one of the traditional bases of the electorate of the outgoing Chancellor.