Angela Merkel could probably use a big 'ole stein of Berliner Weisse [View all]

[marmar]

from Der Spiegel:


German Chancellor Angela Merkel can't be pleased about François Hollande's election victory, but it will at least be bearable for her. The newfound self-confidence of her junior coalition partner, the FDP, which scored a surprise success in the state election of Schleswig-Holstein on Sunday, poses a greater threat to the chancellor.

Sunday's elections showed how this much-maligned Europe is becoming more politically integrated. In former times, Germans called it a "Super Sunday" when three regional elections were being held on the same day. On Sunday, though, the term applied to votes held simultaneously in France, Greece and the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein. The outcome of the French presidential election has the potential to determine the future of the entire continent. And the Greek vote could well decide what will happen to the euro. And Schleswig-Holstein will shape the fate of Philipp Rösler, the leader of the ailing pro-business FDP, Chancellor Angela Merkel's ailing junior coalition partner.

From Germany's point of view, the impact of the victory of Socialist François Hollande in the French presidential election shouldn't be exaggerated. The hyperactive Nicolas Sarkozy made grand promises when he entered into office but didn't deliver much. At the moment, Germany is calling the shots in Europe while France is fighting to prevent its own economic decline. The French election wasn't a vote against Germany but a vote for France. The French want a president who can negotiate on equal terms with Angela Merkel. That's perfectly understandable.

Hollande promised the French he will do this. Of course he will be a difficult negotiating partner for Angela Merkel, but he will learn that she can be difficult too. He wants economic stimulus programs, she wants budget discipline. If they're clever, they'll reach a compromise that will allow both of them to save face in front of their respective domestic audiences. In the long run, neither can possibly have an interest in blocking the other. .................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-greek-and-schleswig-holstein-elections-show-risks-ahead-for-merkel-a-831671.html