ASSESSMENTS

Germany's Political Woes Spell Trouble for Europe

Nov 7, 2018 | 12:30 GMT

Ralph Brinkhaus, leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, addresses the Bundestag on Oct. 17.

Ralph Brinkhaus, leader of the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union parliamentary group, addresses the Bundestag on Oct. 17. Germany -- as well as the rest of the Continent -- will experience major changes as Angela Merkel slowly exits the scene.

(TOBIAS SCHWARZ/AFP/Getty Images)

Highlights

  • Germany has entered a period of political turbulence that will likely reduce the effectiveness of the federal government and its influence on European Union affairs.
  • In the coming months, the main threat to the continuity of the German government will come from the Social Democratic Party, which is mulling whether to withdraw from the governing coalition.
  • Over time, Germany's political polarization could make it harder for Berlin to accommodate its partners in Southern Europe, which would reduce the room for compromise on EU issues.

Angela Merkel's announcement that she will not stand for re-election as the leader of Germany's governing Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party is raising questions about the political future of the largest economy in Europe. Merkel wants to remain German chancellor until the end of her term in 2021, but the race to succeed her has already begun. Beyond the mere domestic ramifications, the consequences of the competition to succeed Merkel will have an impact across the European Union. In the immediate term, a weaker German government could result in the postponement of important EU reforms. In the longer term, Germany's political polarization could make it harder for Berlin to accommodate its partners in Southern Europe, thereby threatening the entire continuity of the union....

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