Election Reveals Brexit- and Trump-Like Cleavages in Germany
Supporters of the far right have much in common with voters for Brexit and Donald Trump.
German Election 2017
Federal elections were held in Germany on September 24. Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union placed first with 246 out of 709 seats, down 65. The far-right Alternative for Germany crossed the 5 percent electoral threshold for the first time. The Atlantic Sentinel endorsed the liberal Free Democrats, who returned to the Bundestag with 80 seats.
German Election Shows Stabilizing Effect of Multiparty Democracy
Two-party systems are polarizing by design. Democracies with multiple parties are more stable.
Germany’s Social Democrats Should Have Picked Side
If you try to appeal to blue-collar voters and college graduates at the same time, you risk losing both.
Americans Largely Uninterested in German Election
Americans see the election through the lens of their own politics.
“Jamaica” Coalition Looks Like Only Option in Germany
A three-party coalition won’t be easy, but it may be the only option short of minority government.
Merkel Wins Reelection But Will Need More Parties to Govern
The Christian Democrats would need the support of the liberals and Greens.
German Election Day Live Blog and Reading List
The Atlantic Sentinel will provide up-the-minute analysis and commentary when Germany votes.
Social Democrats in Germany Make Same Mistake as Dutch
Center-left parties in both countries try to unite working- and middle-class voters. What if those groups no longer want to be united?
Liberal Free Democrats Would Keep Merkel Sharp
The Christian Democrats sometimes lean toward complacency. The Free Democrats would keep them sharp.
Center-Right Voters Eager to Govern in Germany, Center-Left Unsure
Conservative and liberal voters look forward to government. Social Democrats are split.
Highlights and Takeaways from the Merkel-Schulz Debate
The German party leaders had their only debate before the election later this month.
German Election Guide
The German electoral system, the parties, their leaders and the most important issues.
Comparing German Party Platforms Reveals Two Divides
Fiscal issues divide the left and right. On Europe and NATO, it’s the extremists versus everyone else.
Germany’s Social Democrats Need to Pick Side in Culture War
It is hard to appeal to progressive middle-class and nativist working-class voters at the same time.
The Question in Germany: Who Will Govern with Merkel Next?
She could pick the Social Democrats, liberal Free Democrats or Greens.