German elections
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has outlined plans to form a swift coalition with the Free Democrats (FDP) after a major win in Sunday’s election. Merkel said the result was a great vote of trust, and that a government would be formed by November. She said a coalition between the pro-business FDP and her center-right CDU/CSU bloc would have the momentum to tackle Germany’s challenges.
Germany has been enduring its most severe recession since World War II.
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The issue of Afghanistan had also suddenly played an important role in the vote. Two weeks ago a German commander in Afghanistan called in an air-strike against the Taliban that left many civilians dead. German soldiers have largely played a support role in the US led coalition there. Now Germans are increasingly questioning what they’re doing in Afghanistan.
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The World’s Gerry Hadden reported on how Germany’s involvement in Afghanistan was playing in the German elections (Sep 23).
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Gerry Hadden on an important constituency in German politics: the elderly (Sep 25).
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In Germany, a parliamentary majority can be secured with the support of less than 50% if the parties in question have more support than the other leading parties combined.
Financial markets and business leaders hailed Sunday’s election result, but the ensuing coalition talks are likely to be tough, says our correspondent. Merkel wants to focus on fighting unemployment, amid fears that Germany is heading for a winter of discontent.
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