Germany is back and it is vital because we need a strong Europe, and a strong Europe cannot function without a strong Germany. This was one of the main messages of the online debate “In Focus: Germany – the day after”, organised in the framework of the MRS CSO Network.
3 experts from 3 different countries were invited to the second event of a series of monthly online discussions, covering ‘hot topics’. Here are some of the highlights from the debate focusing on the German elections.
Jo Leinen, former Member of the European Parliament, Germany
Good result for Europe. There was a huge mobilisation, with a record 84% participation. It was an important election defining what direction Germany will take – are we going a more populist way that some other European countries have already witnessed, or do we have the stability to form a reliable government? The outcome is quite good, a government can be formed with only two parties (Christian Democrats and Social Democrats) which are experienced and know what is at stake in the world. Therefore, this result is great for Europe and the European Union, as well as Ukraine and the Western Balkans, with continuity in the German foreign policy.
Divisions inside Germany. The German society is more and more fragmented, also fragmented inside the country between East and West. East and West are not yet united, they are in a way mentally separated from each other. In addition, many young people voted for extremes, either the Left Party or the extreme-right AfD. As for AfD, it doubled its result, will it double again next time? This is a question for the upcoming government to solve.
Crossroads situation. Europe was monitoring closely what was happening in Germany, the EU’s largest economy. We now live in rather uncertain times, we don’t know what Trump, or Putin, or the Chinese will do with us. The economic situation is quite shaky, and all this influences the way people are voting. We are at a crossroads both in Germany and Europe.
Adina Revol, writer, author of the book “Breaking with Russia, Europe’s energy awakening”, France
New German-French couple. The German elections were vital for France and Europe. Europe cannot function without a well-functioning German-French couple. This couple was definitely not functioning under chancellor Olaf Scholz, there were a lot of disagreements. In the past three years, Europe has become more fragile, so it was really time for another leadership. The new chancellor Friedrich Merz has a clear vision on Germany and on Europe.
Last chance for German politics. Germany had to adapt to the new geopolitical order and, in addition, the German economy was hit by recession in the last two years. When Germany does not function, Europe does not function either. France has also been characterised by economic and political instability lately. So, amidst all this bad news, the German election result is good news for Europe. It’s a last chance for German normal politics to deliver on what people are expecting right now.
Stanka Parac Damjanovic, director, Local Democracy Agency Subotica, Serbia
Strengthening the EU. Considering CDU politics regarding the EU, the new German chancellor could fill a leadership vacuum in the European Union, which would be truly needed in the volatile times ahead. I trust the new German government to strengthen the role of the EU in all aspects, including the security and the economy.
Western Balkans. One of the key topics for the Balkans is migration, to what extent migrants from the Balkan countries are now part of the workforce in Germany. The stability of the German economy depends strongly on the migration from Serbia and other countries.
Protests in Serbia. In terms of the situation in Serbia, young people have been protesting for more than two months, demanding basic things: democracy, good governance, transparency and rule of law. Stability and democracy are now at stake in Serbia.
