BBC: Angela Merkel wins German election, "vows to win back right wing voters"

Article Link: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41384550

Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany (Image via Wikimedia Commons)

Yesterday, it was announced that Angela Merkel and her political party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), were successful in winning the German election for chancellor. With this victory, Merkel is set to serve her fourth consecutive term as Chancellor of Germany, where there is no limit on amount of terms in office. Despite Merkel's victory, however, the CDU took "heavy losses" in the parliamentary election. Although the CDU was able to win the greatest amount of seats in parliament (246), this amount is significantly less than they possessed during their last term. Additionally, the Alternative for Germany (AfD), a right-wing party in Germany, were able to win parliamentary seats for the first time in history. This serves as a significant setback for the CDU, whose pro-immigration policies are in opposition to the AfD's strict anti-immigration policies. 

This election has various ramifications, both on a domestic and international level for Germany. On a domestic level, the results of this election will impact the formation of a coalition, or alliance, within Parliament, which has been common to occur. In the past, Angela Merkel was able to form an alliance between parties, but this time around it will be increasingly conservative, as both of the right-leaning parties in Germany, the AfD and the SPD, ruled themselves out. This shift will have an impact on the passing of legislation in Germany, especially when it comes to immigration and refugees. Currently, Germany is one of the largest intakes of refugees in Europe, and although this shift in immigration is supported by Merkel, it is heavily opposed by by the AfD, who wish to "fight 'an invasion of foreigners'" into Germany.

On an international level, this election could impact the Brexit, as the Free Democrats Party (FDP), who won a fair amount of seats in the election, openly support Britain and their efforts to leave the European Union. Although the FDP is a part of the conservative group of parties that partner with Merkel and the CDU, this message supporting the Brexit is in conflict with that of Merkel, who is against the movement. Finally, away from Europe, this election could impact Germany's already tense relationship with the United States. In the past, Merkel has been active in denouncing the statements, actions, and decisions of President Donald Trump, who shares some of the same anti-immigration sentiments that Merkel's opponents in Germany possess. With Merkel set to serve her fourth term, it will be interesting to see how the U.S.'s relationship with Germany will progress, and if the emergence of the AfD will have any effect on future cooperation or conflict between the two nations.

Questions:

1. How do you think that this election will impact the United State's relationship with Germany? Will it be beneficial, or detrimental?

2. The AfD's ability to acquire seats in the German parliament is an example of the increasing influence of anti-immigration policies throughout governments across the world. What do you think is causing this trend? Are there any possible consequences of this trend, and if so, what can be done to prevent or combat them? 

3. Merkel is sometimes referred to as the "Europe's Iron Lady" for her consistent electoral victories and her powerful global and domestic presence. Do you think that her fourth consecutive win could have any possible positive impacts on the chances of the election of more female politicians across the world, and specifically in the United States?