Germany’s elections were considered “boring” by many observers, as the reelection of Angela Merkel was considered a foregone conclusion and the traditionally dominant CDU/CSU and SPD waged subdued campaigns. The results came as a surprise: Germany will have the most fragmented parliament in its postwar history as voters chose many smaller parties at the expense of the Social Democratic coalition partner and elected in the first right-wing populist party “Alternative for Germany.” How will the unprecedented multi-party coalition talks unfold, and how will this election impact German politics and the future of the European Union? Dominic Schwickert will offer an in-depth perspective as a political consultant and director of the independent think tank Das Progressive Zentrum. Maria Exner Deputy Editor-in-Chief of ZEIT Online, will share her perspective of German voters and media.
