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German Chancellor Angela Merkel won reelection Monday, in a surprising alliance between her Christian Democratic Union, the Free Democrats Party, and the Social Democratic Party.
Many hope this new “grand coalition’ will be able to lift Germany from economic problems, both internal and those brought on by the financial crisis.
But by aligning herself with her former political enemies, how much change will Merkel be capable of?
We’re tracking perspectives on the building controversies from CNBC, the Times of London, France 24, and Der Spiegel.
We begin with CNBC, who offer the view that Merkel’s coalition is too constrained to enact meaningful reform.
"Let’s face it, they would like to see tax cuts, they would like to see even sweeping tax cuts, but we’ve all had the financial crisis we’ve all had the recession, and we’ve all got bloating budget…the only thing they’re likely going to get are cosmetic cuts, small cuts on the fringes that will appease the Liberal Democrats.”
The Times of London gives a more optimistic outlook, saying that Merkel’s reelection now frees her to push forward with overdue economic reforms.
"The result is good for Germany, good for Europe and good for a democracy that needs clear direction as well as a strong mandate…Having established her political authority, she now has an unparalleled chance to carry out those reforms that have for years eluded both the SPD and the grand coalition."
France 24 puts forth a more restrained perspective, pointing out that while she is still chancellor, the Christian Democratic Union party’s hopes for economic change are hanging on by a thread.
“It’s going to have to live up to its word on this, which is going to be difficult because there are a lot of people who don’t agree. After all, there’s half of the country who did not vote in the center-right government, so I think we’re going to see real conflict here over the next few years in Germany.”
Finally, we go to German newspaper Der Spiegel for a perspective from on the ground. They say that no matter who is in power, the country cannot afford to maintain its present course.
"Four years of Merkel have clearly not been good to Germany. Debts are higher than ever. Social security funds are showing deficits across the board…the German state is left in a precarious condition. In this situation, reforms are not neoliberal. They are essential."
The German voters kept Angela Merkel in office in hopes that she will do what’s best for the nation. We want to know what you think.
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