Merkel’s Hail Mary Pass to Form a Government

Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany succeeded in her reelection bid in September of this year, but her party’s ability to govern at all now stands in question, which could spell the weakening of Germany’s regional influence. Merkel’s party did not win enough seats to form a government, so is negotiating with the center-left Social Democrats (SPD) – a last-ditch effort to forestall new elections, after talks with other major parties broke down last week.

The past decades have seen German politics operating as the face of soft power, promoting multilateralism and increasing European integration. However, the advent of voices and policy stances more vocal and extreme than any in recent memory might offer the country its first genuine moment of political introspection. In German newspaper Die Zeit, political commentators such as Ludwig Greven view the present circumstances as a potential opportunity, rather than a threat. Merkel’s time in office has been characterized by dominance of her conservative party, with no major inroads for parties promoting alternate platforms. A governing coalition that overcomes the current obstacles could prove more in touch with its electorate, rejuvenated through plurality, and stronger overall.