A poor choice for Germany, EU and U.S.
Unless a last minute change were to occur, Angela Merkel is set to become Germany’s first woman — and Eastern German — chancellor. While to many it might seem a very progressive move — of all the large western nations, Germany is only the second to elect a woman as head of the executive branch of government — it is good for neither Germany, Europe or us.
The conservatives won the election by three parliamentary seats, but only because of a last-minute coalition between two parties: the Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union. The alliance between these two political formations is about as natural as tropical weather in Oregon. Their outlooks on what is best for Germany were clearly different during the campaign and are likely to remain so. Yet, in order to govern they must consistently vote together. It is unlikely that Merkel has the clout or charisma to encourage the grand coalition to work together and water their wine very long. While the large majority of Germans were clamoring for a change in leadership, Merkel managed to blow a 23-point early lead, loose her state and the women’s vote. This grand coalition has porcelain footing and the most likely outcome is an early dissolution of parliament and a call for elections. Merkel is bad news for the European Union as she has already indicated that she favors one-on-one relationships with foreign nations. This politic is likely to add more sand to the already battered EU machine. It is ludicrous to believe that if Germany chooses to enter into a preferential relationship with, say, the United States, that other members of the EU wouldn’t do the same with different countries.
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