By Haya Wakil
On 4th March 2018, Germany ended six months of its political uncertainty as the members of the Center-Left Social Democrats voted in favour of governing coalition along with Merkel’s conservative bloc CDU and their Bavarian sister party. This decision has cleared Angela Merkel’s last major hurdle in attaining the fourth term as Chancellor of Germany. It was the longest time the country had been without a government since post World War II period.
The election scenario in Germany
There had been a long discussion whether they wanted to continue with the grand coalition or not, as the party had suffered in last September’s election. Last elections saw the danger of right-wing politics which made Merkel’s political future doubtful. Social Democrats got only 20.05 percent, and anti-immigrant Alternative party stood third. However, in the end, two-thirds of 464,000 party members favoured the coalition. Had they decided against the coalition, Merkel would have been forced to either form a minority government with weak centre or seek a new election. Now with Merkel’s bloc in the forefront, the right-wing Alternative for Germany party will act as an opposition party in the Parliament.
The Parliament is expected to meet on March 14 to appoint Merkel as the Chancellor and the cabinet ministry will also be decided in the following meeting. Six names—out of which 3 are women—have been proposed. This will be important as Germany following Canada will set an example of a 50-50 cabinet on the lines of gender equality.
Effect of the election on the EU
Merkel had to undergo a lot of negotiation between Left and Right for maintaining her position as a centrist. She has taken this course since 2005. This coalition is also an approval to her policies on the immigrant issue and her efforts to reform the rifting European Union. In return, Social Democrats have got control over foreign, labour and finance portfolios.
She tweeted: “I congratulate the SPD on this clear result and look forward to continuing to work together for the good of our country”. She also received good wishes from leaders abroad including French President Emmanuel Macron who said, “Good news for Europe, France and Germany will work together in the coming weeks to develop new initiatives and advance the European project,” he said. European leaders expressed hope in EU’s future and in key issues like immigration, security and trade. “Merkel could hardly wish for a stronger economic backdrop: Growth is the fastest in seven years, the jobless rate is at a record low of 5.4 percent, and a budget surplus of 1.2 percent of economic output means the coalition partners can spend,” according to a report by Bloomberg.
Angela Merkel has been vocal in expressing her support for more than a million refugees and asylum seekers fleeing war and prosecution in Syria, Iraq and Afganistan and coming to Europe. Apart from the immigrant crisis which no doubt will be the primary issue this year, the tariffs placed by Trump on steel and aluminium imports will affect the German economy as it is the largest exporter in Europe. President Trump has also attacked European automobile industry through its policies. Merkel, instead of bowing down to the policies of the US, has shifted to China and Japan’s free trade policy. However, China’s expanding economic power and huge investment in German industries is alarming according to Merkel. She is being pressured by domestic industries to protect national interest against Chinese manufacturers.
Merkel’s shift to the President of France, Macron might lead to positive structural development in Europe. With UK’s decision to exit EU, German naturally has taken the three leadership position in the organisation. Angela Merkel’s is known as ‘Mutti’ or ‘Mother’ in Germany. Within the timespan of 12 years, Angela Merkel has established herself firmly in international politics and has a significant say in international institutions. It will be interesting to see Merkel’s next four years and how she tackles some of the very critical issues and the rise of Right Wing wave in her country.
Featured Image Source: Pixabay
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