MillenniumPost
Editorial

Germany in dilemma

Few countries have had the meteoric rise since the Second World War as Germany, to set an example to the rest of the world; but none, ironically, remain in the state of suspense that it is in today. Indeed, ever since its General Elections, held three months ago, Chancellor Angela Merkel has been hard put to cobble up a coalition that can "deliver". If she is still at the helm, it is because of the German President's request that she ought to continue till a proper government can take over. The Christian Democrats that Merkel leads are considered "conservative" and their coalition partner during the last two terms, the Social Democrats, have been at loggerheads since before the last election. True, the "conservatives" emerged with the highest number of seats, but not enough to govern on their own. The new "opposition" that once used to be known as the main opposition, the Social Democrats, lost many of their seats but insist they do not want to lose their Left identity. Meanwhile, causing a good deal of concern to many within and outside Germany, a far Right Wing has emerged reminding many of the phase before the Second World War. This, incidentally, is a new wave in Europe as the Right comprising new and young leaders has taken up the reins in neighbouring Austria. The emergence of the new Rightists has been attributed to Merkel's large-heartedness in accommodating Refugees from the Middle East. Even if the rest of the world applauded her stand on this issue, it did not go down well with the electorate. That was understandable. Till the 1990s, Germans were finding it difficult to deal with Turkish immigrants and those that had stolen their way in across the borders. The very thought of refugees merging with the local populace was both scary and revolting to many. Disgruntled voices came up from different parts of the country. Even former Diplomats tossed diplomatic norms aside and turned critical. Much of this happened after a couple of terror attacks. Merkel tried hard to explain that they needed to lead on humanitarian grounds so that others could emulate them. The unforeseen Right was quick to pounce on the opportunity that stared them in the face. Now, they are threatening to gain more support and power. All this leaves Germany and Germans in a dilemma. Indeed, till the Elections, Germany had become the most powerful Nation in Europe with an economy to reckon with. Angela Merkel has been the most respected leader in the continent. And, now, at the behest of the German President, the Conservative leader, Angela Merkel and the Left leader, Martin Schultz, have resumed talks for a prospective coalition. Schultz is under pressure from his party hardliners and supporters that they must not let the new far Right be the main opposition in the Parliament. According to them, the new Party would be given far too much importance. They, instead, must form the Opposition. Both the main Parties, incidentally, were coalition partners before the last General Elections. Both have to yield on some issues before they arrive at some understanding. But will they? That is the million Euro question. Trying to answer that will amount to shooting in the dark. If they do arrive at a compromise, it will be business as usual in Germany. If they do not, it will have to be a matter of returning to yet another General Election.

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