The Intelligence from The Economist Plagued by uncertainty: German politics
Apr 12, 2021
Tom Nuttall, The Economist's Berlin bureau chief, dives into the political upheaval in Germany as the nation seeks to replace Angela Merkel. He discusses the implications of COVID-19 on leadership contenders and the changing public sentiment, revealing tensions within the CDU and CSU. Fiametta Rocco shares her reflections on meeting Prince Philip, showcasing his loyalty and the challenges he faced behind the scenes. The conversation also touches on the revival of Kenya’s coffee culture, highlighting its shift towards local appreciation amid global trends.
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COVID-19 Response Shift
- Germany's COVID-19 cases are rising faster than vaccinations, putting the state-led response into question.
- Proposed legislation seeks to shift control back to the federal government, creating a key campaign issue.
Laschet's Struggles
- Armin Laschet, the CDU chair, is also the leader of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's largest state.
- Despite being a Merkel-style moderate, he's currently unpopular and struggles with communication.
Söder's Rise
- Markus Söder leads Bavaria and the CSU, the CDU's sister party operating exclusively in Bavaria.
- He's gained national prominence, presenting himself as a plain-spoken communicator with a tough COVID-19 stance.