The Globalist

Why it is practically impossible for the SPD to reinvent itself.

With a new term for Merkel, Germany and Europe can breathe a sigh of relief.

As Germany and Italy decide the shape of their future governments, the EU is making slow progress. It is abandoning lofty schemes and determined to focus on people’s real problems.

Even if the SPD votes against joining a new “GroKo” government, the damage which prolonged political uncertainty in Berlin would inflict on Germany and Europe would be very limited.

Germany will continue to gradually slip from the top to the upper middle ranks of the growth league of major European countries. Its current golden decade will end in the 2020s.

There are similarities between today’s Europe and the patchwork of around 300 territories and principalities which comprised the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation.

Germany’s current political contortions will likely end with a fourth term for Merkel.

Four questions about the country’s near-term political path.

The Jamaica coalition consists of representatives of the globalization and modernization winners. It pitches urban elites against the less successful.

The emergence of some right-wing populists will not paralyze Germany’s pro-euro policies.