The Intelligence from The Economist Colour visions: a German-election lookahead
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Feb 19, 2025 Political intrigue in Germany is heating up as coalition possibilities swirl like a color wheel. Smaller parties could play pivotal roles in shaping the future government. Meanwhile, Japan grapples with a #MeToo awakening sparked by scandals, pushing the feminist movement into the spotlight. Lastly, a treasured pie shop faces closure, leaving the community nostalgic for its traditional offerings as tastes change. Each topic reveals shifting dynamics and cultural reflections that resonate globally.
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Small Parties, Big Impact
- Germany's proportional representation system makes smaller parties influential.
- Their performance near the 5% threshold impacts coalition formations after elections.
AFD's Impact on Coalitions
- The AFD's presence complicates coalition building due to other parties refusing to work with them.
- This limits viable coalition options, potentially leading to broader, less stable coalitions.
Die Linke's Rise
- Die Linke's surge is likely due to Merz's collaboration with the AFD on anti-migration resolutions.
- This move, seen as taboo, pushed voters towards Die Linke.