What scenario for German politics?

Although the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) won the early parliamentary elections and could become Germany's next Chancellor, conservative leader Friedrich Merz is not optimistic.

Leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) Friedrich Merz (center) celebrates his victory in the parliamentary election, in Berlin on February 23. (Source: THX)

First of all, the CDU/CSU came in first, but with a low 29% of the vote. In order to form a government soon, the party must quickly find allies. However, this will not be easy. With the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) coming in second, a coalition is out of the question because of its openly racist and Eurosceptic views.

A partnership with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) of current Chancellor Olaf Scholz (16.5% of the vote) and the Green Party (13.3%) seems to be the most suitable. However, the past shows that coalitions of many parties with different orientations are often unstable and can easily fall apart.

In fact, there are major differences between the CDU/CSU and SPD on social policies such as citizen benefits, pensions, and the minimum wage. CSU leader Markus Soder has repeatedly and resolutely rejected a coalition with the Greens.

Meanwhile, Europe’s largest economy has been in recession for two years now. The divisions over immigration have become so intense that they have erupted into protests and marches. Debt ceiling debates have reached a stalemate, preventing Germany from introducing economic stimulus measures…

Externally, Germany is caught between a US that is turning its back on Europe and an increasingly assertive Russia and China. Its policy of supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia has also deeply divided Germany internally.

Speaking after his victory, Mr. Merz declared: “Tonight, we celebrate and from tomorrow, we start working… The world out there does not wait for us.” What scenario will emerge for German politics?

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/kich-ba-n-na-o-cho-chinh-truong-ng-duc-305860.html