The Intelligence from The Economist CDU later? Germany’s topsy-turvy election
Aug 31, 2021
Tom Nuttall, The Economist's Berlin bureau chief, explores the unpredictable landscape of Germany's elections, spotlighting the decline of Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats. He discusses potential coalition scenarios and the impact of recent debates on voter perceptions. The conversation shifts to the alarming rise of ghost guns in America and the legal loopholes that allow their proliferation. Additionally, Nuttall touches on how changing band names reflect societal sensitivities, illustrating the intersection of culture and contemporary issues.
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German Election Uncertainty
- Germany's election is unpredictable, with the CDU's support collapsing and the SPD surging.
- The only certainty is a coalition government, possibly excluding the CDU for the first time post-war.
Shifting Political Landscape
- The CDU/CSU's support has drastically declined, while the SPD has seen an unexpected rise.
- Armin Laschet's performance is a key factor in the CDU's struggles, while Olaf Scholz benefits from positioning himself as Merkel's successor.
Coalition Possibilities
- Germany will likely have its first three-way coalition in decades after the election.
- Two potential scenarios are a "Jamaica" coalition (CDU/CSU, Greens, FDP) or a "traffic light" coalition (SPD, Greens, FDP).