Merkel’s Plan Strong on Taxes and Spending, Disappointing on Migration
A pledge to raise public investment, but no convincing plan to plug Germany’s skills gap.
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.
Smart Policies, Wrong Vision from Germany’s Social Democrats
The party has a plan to help middle-income voters, but it tries to sell it as an agenda for social justice.
Schulz Not the Future of Social Democracy After All
Cosmopolitan and working-class voters both like the new party leader. But they don’t vote for him.
Social Democrats Face Crucial Test in North Rhine-Westphalia
If the party can’t win in its industrial heartland, there is little hope for the federal election.
Coalition Politics Could Turn Moderate Germans Away from Schulz
If a vote for Martin Schulz is a vote for the far left, Germans may prefer the safety of Angela Merkel.
It’s Not You, It’s Us: Germans Ready to Let Merkel Go
Germans approve of Angela Merkel’s job performance, but they are ready for someone else.
Let’s Not Read Too Much into Schulzmania Yet
Martin Schulz has pushed his party up in the polls, but another grand coalition is still likely.
Merkel Proposes to Ban the Burqa: Why and Why Now?
The German leader was never a multiculturalist.
Merkel Must Be Careful Not to Repeat Clinton’s Mistake
In pursuing centrist voters, the German chancellor must take care to protect her right flank.