Germany faces coalition conundrum
Germany has voted. The result is not an earthquake, but a landslide. A change of power is looming after 16 years of Christian Democrat-led federal governments. [...]
Germany
Angela Merkel governed Germany for 16 years, but never led
Merkel has governed Germany for 16 years, but she never led it. [...]
An absurd election for Germany
Germany’s voters are not to be envied. With an MMP voting system and a choice of unpalatable parties, they must find a way to form a coalition. [...]
Vegan Wagen
The Volkswagen curry wurst is under threat - and that says a lot about the state of the German car industry. [...]
A day to reflect on the meaning of freedom
For younger generations, the Berlin Wall means little. But it is worth knowing about and remembering. [...]
An awake press asking questions
To land a top job, having a stand-out CV helps. But that does not justify hallucinating your life’s achievements. Especially not if the media are doing their job. [...]
Economic rationality long gone in Europe
The times of economic reason and rationality are long gone in Europe. [...]
The backroom deal to find Germany’s next Chancellor
German politics can appear complicated from the outside. However, for casual observers there is at least one consolation: few things ever change. Just prepare to get used to a different name after 16 years of Merkel. [...]
Europe’s directionless leader
Thirty years after unification, Germany remains a big, little country. A powerless hegemon. A directionless leader. Then again, that may not be such a bad outcome. Had Thatcher and Mitterrand been right, it might have been worse. [...]
Europe’s lockdown lessons
Europe has left the early stage of the pandemic behind. With more information at hand, European countries are managing Covid-19 in a controlled way. It is a step towards normality on a long road ahead. [...]