On Sunday, September 22, Angela Merkel was re-elected Chancellor of Germany for a third term. Merkel, a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is a well-respected figure throughout the European Union (EU) and is considered by many to be the most powerful woman in the world.
There are six major political parties represented in the “Bundestag,” or the European Parliament. These include the CDU, the Christian Social Union (CSU), the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Free Democratic Party (FDP), the Left Party, and the Green Party. The CDU and the CSU are allies; together, they make up Germany’s Conservative Party. The SPD, the FDP, the Left Party, and the Green Party are more liberal parties. There are also many minor parties, but most of them do not have much political power.
Merkel’s policies have shaped much of Germany, particularly its economic situation. She strongly supports Germany’s big business and free market economy. Also, sources revealed that she supports bailouts for her banking “friends,” while she does not assist other nations in the EU, such as Greece and Italy, who have recently experienced economic crises. Because she has so much influence over the EU as a whole, many of these countries, and their futures, are in her hands.
Although Merkel has taken a tough stance against assisting “big spender” nations, she supports European political integration, unlike the “Eurosceptic” parties, who advocate for each individual nation as an independent entity. The “Eurosceptic” parties are expected to lose power due to Merkel’s re-election.
Merkel supports political and financial relations with countries like Russia and China. She generally does not back global wars, which many German voters agree with. However, she is known to sometimes flip-flop, and some believe that she will publically approve of U.S intervention in Syria now that she has been re-elected.
The Chancellor also promotes “big tent” philosophies, which may have helped her get re-elected. “Big tent” philosophies appeal to many people as they encompass a variety of viewpoints and support ideological diversity within political parties. Additionally, this focus on “big tent” philosophies is resulting in a gradual shift of the CDU on the political spectrum. Germany’s Conservative Party seems to be becoming more moderate and accepting more leftist beliefs.
Merkel’s re-election means that Germany and the EU will continue to move in much the same direction. She will likely uphold many of her economic policies as well as maintain power over the EU. For better or for worse, expect Merkel to continue to take charge and shape much of Western politics.
Sources: spiegel.de, thenewamaerican.com