Coalition Breakthrough in Germany, Explained
The policies, the politics and analyses of Angela Merkel’s deal with the Social Democrats.
Social Democrats (Germany)
Immigration, Digital Reforms Justify Grand Coalition in Germany
Plans bely fears that another grand coalition would muddle through.
Schulz In No Rush, Makes Demands on Europe, Health Insurance
The Social Democrat feels no time pressure to form another coalition with Angela Merkel.
Another Grand Coalition Dilemma for Germany’s Social Democrats
The party could achieve a lot in another left-right government, but they risk being punished by voters.
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.
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?
Center-Right Voters Eager to Govern in Germany, Center-Left Unsure
Conservative and liberal voters look forward to government. Social Democrats are split.
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.
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.
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.
European Social Democrats Warm to Coalitions with Far Left
From Lisbon to Berlin, center-left parties are breaking the taboo on pacts with the far left.