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politicalbetting.com » Blog Archive » Will “Angie’s” third term be with the reds or the yellows?

SystemSystem Posts: 12,250
edited September 2013 in General

politicalbetting.com » Blog Archive » Will “Angie’s” third term be with the reds or the yellows?

Unless the polls have been very wrong, Angela Merkel is heading for a third term as German Chancellor, a feat that only Adenauer and Kohl have managed since 1949 (and they both went on to win four elections).

Read the full story here


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Comments

  • GrandioseGrandiose Posts: 2,323
    The question I'm least confident of is whether if the AFD clear 5% whether a CDU-CSU/FDP coaltion would still suffice. What's most likely?
  • RobDRobD Posts: 60,112
    Thanks for the tip on the last thread Andy, haven't found a good one yet but perhaps that is because results aren't coming in yet.
  • TykejohnnoTykejohnno Posts: 7,362
    I'm like fox news,fair and balanced ;-) so here goes -

    Gracie Samuels @GracieSamuels

    @johnprescott Why are the @Conservatives being allowed to get away using public money & Treasury staff to make political points? #lab
  • AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    Thanks DC.
  • AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    AfD would have to be on at least 4.5% in the exit poll to stand a chance because they're usually very accurate in Germany.
  • TykejohnnoTykejohnno Posts: 7,362
    Michael Savage @michaelsavage

    Simon Walker, Director General of the Institute of Directors: "Several of Labour's proposals are completely removed from reality"

  • TGOHFTGOHF Posts: 21,633
    Tykejohnno said:

    Michael Savage @michaelsavage

    Simon Walker, Director General of the Institute of Directors: "Several of Labour's proposals are completely removed from reality"

    Is that a complement ?
  • anotherDaveanotherDave Posts: 6,746
    "Germany’s industry federation, BDI, has called for a drastic change in energy policy, warning that the €1 trillion dash for wind power, solar and other renewables is pushing power costs to levels that “endanger German competitiveness”.

    Electricity costs 30pc more than in the rest of Europe, and twice as much as in the US. Natural gas costs four times more than in the US as the shale revolution alters the global economic landscape at lightning speed, leaving parts of Germany’s chemical and plastic industry under mortal threat."

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/10325512/A-victory-for-Merkel-will-only-mask-Germanys-long-term-economic-problems.html
  • RodCrosbyRodCrosby Posts: 7,737
    One thing to watch is the number of 'overhangs'. Under the new rules, the more overhangs, the more 'balance' seats will be introduced to compensate, in a positive feedback loop.

    e.g. it has been calculated that had the new system been in place in 2009, the basic size of the Bundestag (598) would have increased to 671 (a 12% bloating) due to 24 overhangs and 49 balance seats.

    This shows what a crazy system MMP really is.

    The other effect is that the (small) winner's bonus is almost entirely eliminated, thereby increasing the probability of an indecisive outcome...
  • Richard_TyndallRichard_Tyndall Posts: 32,723
    OT. Not sure what to make of this. Has anyone else heard anything about it?

    BRICS creating their own international internet cable system following US spying revelations.

    http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-brics-independent-internet-in-defiance-of-the-us-centric-internet/5350272
  • Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    @tnewtondunn: ...and now a press release from the British Chambers of Commerce, calling it "an 'apprentice tax' on employers and job creation".
  • TGOHFTGOHF Posts: 21,633
    anotherDave said:

    "Germany’s industry federation, BDI, has called for a drastic change in energy policy, warning that the €1 trillion dash for wind power, solar and other renewables is pushing power costs to levels that “endanger German competitiveness”.

    Electricity costs 30pc more than in the rest of Europe, and twice as much as in the US. Natural gas costs four times more than in the US as the shale revolution alters the global economic landscape at lightning speed, leaving parts of Germany’s chemical and plastic industry under mortal threat."

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/10325512/A-victory-for-Merkel-will-only-mask-Germanys-long-term-economic-problems.html

    Pb Milbands tell us repeatedly that fracking wouldn't change gas prices. ...
  • TykejohnnoTykejohnno Posts: 7,362
    Tom Newton Dunn @tnewtondunn

    ...and now a press release from the British Chambers of Commerce, calling it "an 'apprentice tax' on employers and job creation".

  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 124,519
    German election coverage now underway on RTL and ARD, exit polls in 10 minutes
  • AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    4.99% = no seats, 5% = about 30 seats.
  • JosiasJessopJosiasJessop Posts: 43,846
    Richard_Tyndall said:

    OT. Not sure what to make of this. Has anyone else heard anything about it?

    BRICS creating their own international internet cable system following US spying revelations.

    http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-brics-independent-internet-in-defiance-of-the-us-centric-internet/5350272

    Yesterday I posed a few links to GCHQ's 'Operation Socialist':

    http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/british-spy-agency-gchq-hacked-belgian-telecoms-firm-a-923406.html
    http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/uks-gchq-blamed-for-cyber-attack-on-belgian-telecoms-company-8830123.html

    Personally, I'm amazed anyone's surprised that this sort of thing's going on...
  • TGOHFTGOHF Posts: 21,633
    Tykejohnno said:

    Tom Newton Dunn @tnewtondunn

    ...and now a press release from the British Chambers of Commerce, calling it "an 'apprentice tax' on employers and job creation".

    Well known encouragers of child labour, slavery and canceling Christmas no doubt....
  • RodCrosbyRodCrosby Posts: 7,737
    AndyJS said:

    4.99% = no seats, 5% = about 30 seats.

    unless you win 3 constituencies, in which case 4.99% would also deliver about 30 seats...

  • john_zimsjohn_zims Posts: 3,399
    @Tykejohnno

    'Simon Walker, Director General of the Institute of Directors: "Several of Labour's proposals are completely removed from reality"

    3+ years of a blank piece of paper & then a Milishambles.
  • Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    Strong. Decisive.
    Mr Kenny said he felt the leadership had moved towards the unions’ position since Ed Miliband’s speech in July, triggered by the Falkirk selection row.

    He said the leadership had realised that some of its original thoughts “weren’t practical” and he echoed Harriet Harman’s pointed reference to how reforms could be “phased.”

    David Anderson MP complained about the other side of “machine politics” that saw candidates with no roots in a local community being parachuted in by top level supporters in Labour’s leadership.

    Ed Miliband – parachuted into Doncaster – looked on impassively. His brother David was, of course, parachuted into South Shields.
    http://blogs.channel4.com/gary-gibbon-on-politics/ed-sidesteps-unions-focus-cost-living-crisis/26490
  • Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    tim said:


    File under "Things that ScottP

    Creepy stalker boasts about creepy stalking.

    Seek help.
  • felixfelix Posts: 15,180
    tim said:

    Damian McBride confirming that Miliband tried to get him sacked

    File under "Things that ScottP and co won't repeatedly re paste"

    I'm surprised you've suddenly got interested in this story - you wouldn't touch it 2 days ago. BTW what is a McBride confirmation worth these days?
  • Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    @catherine_mayer: CDU better than expected. The FDP worse. A nail biter
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 33,090
    edited September 2013
    AfD on 4.9%, FDP 4.7% according to exit poll.

    Every vote will count, couldn't be more exciting.
  • Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    @afneil: Exit polls put Merkel way ahead on 42%, Soc Dems on poor 25% but FDP hovering on crucial 5%.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 124,519
    CDU 42% FDP 5% AfD 4.5% so looks like a continuation of CDU FDP, with CDU vote up almost 10%!
  • Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    @OpenEurope: First exit polls are out CDU/CSU 42%, SPD 26%, Greens 8%, Die Linke 8.5%, FDP 4.7%, AfD 4.9%. Turnout % #btw13 (ARD)
  • NickPalmerNickPalmer Posts: 21,587
    Both exit polls show FDP out, AfD just short. CDU not far from an absolute majority but not enough, so coalition with SPD looks nailed on (even if AfD get in after all).
  • JosiasJessopJosiasJessop Posts: 43,846
    tim said:

    Damian McBride confirming that Miliband tried to get him sacked

    File under "Things that ScottP and co won't repeatedly re paste"

    Hardly strong and decisive, is it? "Sir, sir, that McBride's being beastly! I think he's doing your bidding - won't you expel him sir? Pleeeeassseee?"

    You'd think someone who loved the party would have fought tooth and nail to remove this cancer from its midst.

    Of course, the problem is that would have meant removing the entire party leadership ...
  • Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    @afneil: Not good news for Cameron if Merkel has to form Grand Coalition with SPD, who are against his efforts to repatriate powers.
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 33,090
    It's still possible both or either of FDP / AfD could just get 5% because I don't think even German exit polls are necessarily that accurate.
  • RodCrosbyRodCrosby Posts: 7,737
    An amazing 15.5% of voters with potentially no representation.

    CDU/CSU could potentially govern alone with a hairsbreadth majority...
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 33,090
    Bit of a shock because I don't think any opinion polls gave Merkel a chance of winning an outright majority.
  • Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    JosiasJessop said:


    Hardly strong and decisive, is it? "Sir, sir, that McBride's being beastly! I think he's doing your bidding - won't you expel him sir? Pleeeeassseee?"

    You'd think someone who loved the party would have fought tooth and nail to remove this cancer from its midst.

    @LouiseMensch: Miliband, knowing McBride was still working in Gordon Brown's office, chose not to resign but to stay & play along
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 33,090
    edited September 2013
    Another exit poll puts the FDP on 5%:

    RTL:

    CDU/CSU 42.0%, SPD 25.5% SED 8.5% GRÜ 8.5%, FDP 5%, AFD 4.5%
  • RodCrosbyRodCrosby Posts: 7,737
    SPD/Green/Linke would have a majority of 4 seats on those figures...
  • AveryLPAveryLP Posts: 7,815
    edited September 2013
    With no loving in our souls and no money in our coats
    You can't say we're satisfied
    But Angie, I still love you, baby
    Everywhere I look I see your eyes
    There ain't a woman that comes close to you.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcZn2-bGXqQ
  • NickPalmerNickPalmer Posts: 21,587
    Andy, I think the FDP have had it, but the AfD might still do it. One exit poll has them on 4.9, the other on 4.7.
    I claim a small guessing prize - I said I was doubtful if the AfD would make it, thought the FDP was at risk, and thought the Left might outdo their polling rating - not sure about the last one though.
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 33,090
    edited September 2013
    The Germans used to criticise the British electoral system for producing an outright majority with 43% of the vote.

    This "proportional" system could give Merkel an outright majority with about 42%.
  • Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    @annemcelvoy: Early lessons from SPD for Ed Mil. 1/Don't move so far left on econ, 2/ If you fixate on your opponent, you big them up and end up small
  • SimonStClareSimonStClare Posts: 7,976
    electionista ‏@electionista 43s
    Germany - seats based on FGW exit poll: CDU/CSU 302, SPD 189, LINKE 60, Greens 57 #btw13
  • RodCrosbyRodCrosby Posts: 7,737
    Andy_JS said:

    Another exit poll puts the FDP on 5%:

    RTL:

    CDU/CSU 42.0%, SPD 25.5% SED 8.5% GRÜ 8.5%, FDP 5%, AFD 4.5%

    would give CDU/CSU-FDP around a 28 seat majority...
  • RobDRobD Posts: 60,112
    Amazing swing to Merkel for a third term, at least from the British perspective.
  • felixfelix Posts: 15,180
    tim said:

    Scott_P said:

    JosiasJessop said:


    Hardly strong and decisive, is it? "Sir, sir, that McBride's being beastly! I think he's doing your bidding - won't you expel him sir? Pleeeeassseee?"

    You'd think someone who loved the party would have fought tooth and nail to remove this cancer from its midst.

    @LouiseMensch: Miliband, knowing McBride was still working in Gordon Brown's office, chose not to resign but to stay & play along
    Mensch?
    Oh dear.
    It took you all weekend to work out a 'line' on milimcbride and that's the best you've got?
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 124,519
    edited September 2013
    Looks like a centrist conservative is the big winner in Germany, with the main liberal party the big loser and a small eurosceptic party hovering over parliamentary representation. Omens for 2015 UK?
  • old_labourold_labour Posts: 3,238
    German electoral map of electoral districts which will be filled in as the results come in.

    http://www.google.com/elections/ed/de/districts?hl=de
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 33,090
    edited September 2013
    I'm hoping at least one of FDP / AfD get into Parliament because otherwise there's a danger the former Communists could get into power if the SPD decide to change their minds about sharing power with them.
  • richardDoddrichardDodd Posts: 5,472
    The Germans are worried.. they have no idea what the EZ is going to demand from them.. so it is best to stick with a known quantity..
  • AveryLPAveryLP Posts: 7,815
    tim said:

    Damian McBride confirming that Miliband tried to get him sacked

    File under "Things that ScottP and co won't repeatedly re paste"

    tim

    Is that "sacked" or "in the sack"?

    There are rumours circulating about McBride. a drunken dinner party and a Labour Minister.

  • RodCrosbyRodCrosby Posts: 7,737
    Andy_JS said:

    The Germans used to criticise the British electoral system for producing an outright majority with 43% of the vote.

    This "proportional" system could give Merkel an outright majority with about 42%.

    Perhaps, but only a tiny one, if at all...
  • richardDoddrichardDodd Posts: 5,472
    I wonder what revelations we will be treated to on the day of the big speech.. there is still the threat of Drapers E-mails..
  • SimonStClareSimonStClare Posts: 7,976
    Alberto Nardelli ‏@AlbertoNardelli 36s

    Germany - Forsa exit poll: CDU/CSU 42%, SPD 25.5%, Greens 8.5%, LINKE 8.5%, FDP 5%, AfD 4.5% #btw13
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 33,090
    HYUFD said:

    Looks like a centrist conservative is the big winner in Germany, with the main liberal party the big loser and a small eurosceptic party hovering over parliamentary representation. Omens for 2015 UK?

    The FDP are more like Thatcherites than British Liberals I think.
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 33,090
    When do the real results starting coming in?
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 124,519
    AndyJS - Maybe Charles Kennedy LDs, not Cleggite Orange Book LDs, and like the LDs and unlike many on the Tory right the FDP supports gay marriage and decriminalisation of drugs
  • anotherDaveanotherDave Posts: 6,746
    Andy_JS said:

    When do the real results starting coming in?

    "we’ll get the exit polls on public broadcasters ZDF and ARD (and private broadcaster RTL) at 1700 London time. From then on we’ll get updated “estimates” every 15 to 30 minutes for the next three or four hours. These estimates are based on sampling of real votes as they are counted, and as the night goes on they are increasingly accurate. Then at around 1.30-2.30am we’ll get provisional official results. "

    http://conservativehome.blogs.com/international/2013/09/from-andrewimarshall-bundestagswahlen-for-beginners-.html
  • RodCrosbyRodCrosby Posts: 7,737
    edited September 2013
    ZDF forecast: CDU/CSU – 42.3%; SPD – 26.3%; FDP – 4.5%; Linke – 8.5%; Grüne – 8%; AfD – 4.8%; Others – 5.6%.

    4 seat SPD/Grüne/Linke majority...
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 33,090
    edited September 2013
    Someone famous once said that all political philosophies have natural support in Germany except classical liberalism. This result would seem to confirm that.
  • anotherDaveanotherDave Posts: 6,746
    Just reminded that until 1987 it was Labour Party policy to withdraw from the EU.
  • JonnyJimmyJonnyJimmy Posts: 2,548
    richardDodd said:

    I wonder what revelations we will be treated to on the day of the big speech.. there is still the threat of Drapers E-mails..

    I've got a suspicion Ed was trying to shaft his brother well before 2010...
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 124,519
    AndyJS Maybe, but the FDP won 14% in 2009, which is more than the LDs are now polling!
  • RodCrosbyRodCrosby Posts: 7,737
    So looks like either

    SPD/Grüne/Linke coalition

    CDU/CSU-SPD grand coalition

    CSD/CSU minority

    CSD/CSU-Grüne coalition

    Hmm...
  • GrandioseGrandiose Posts: 2,323
    "Ed Miliband vows to reduce non-EU immigration: The Labour leader outlined plans to reduce the number of low-skilled migrants coming to Britain." (BBC)

    As I think @tim has said before, and with which I'm largely inclined to agree, this group of people is not at all significant. But alas, both party leaders seem to want to pursue it now...
  • another_richardanother_richard Posts: 26,875
    tim said:

    Cameron needs the FDP over 5% or his whole fake edifice of a European policy falls down

    This isn't shaping up to be a good day for Cameroon foreign policy.

    Firstly their Islamic friends misbehave again and now the German voters might not fall into line for the strategic mastermind.
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 33,090
    The thing which amazes me the most is that people in East Germany carry on voting for the former Communists.

    Talk about Stockholm Syndrome...
  • old_labourold_labour Posts: 3,238
    Don't forget there are also elections in the state of Hesse today!
  • Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    Grandiose said:

    "Ed Miliband vows to reduce non-EU immigration: The Labour leader outlined plans to reduce the number of low-skilled migrants coming to Britain." (BBC)

    Except as has been pointed out, Ed's policy does nothing to "reduce the number of low-skilled migrants coming to Britain", which would be illegal. In fact it encourages low-skilled migrants coming to Britain to get guaranteed apprenticeships.

    In short, it's crap. Like Ed.
  • Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    @andrewpercy: So if I get this right. Labour's policy could see foreign apprentices being recruited to match foreign workers!!!
  • RodCrosbyRodCrosby Posts: 7,737
    Andy_JS said:

    The thing which amazes me the most is that people in East Germany carry on voting for the former Communists.

    Talk about Stockholm Syndrome...

    They were almost the largest party there at the last two elections...
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 33,090
    AfD still on 4.9% on updated exit poll numbers. SPD dropping a bit to 25.8%.
  • old_labourold_labour Posts: 3,238
    edited September 2013
    In 2015, will David Cameron be "Vatti" or "Fatty"?
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 124,519
    AndyJS - Well George Galloway won here on roughly a Die Linke platform!
  • RodCrosbyRodCrosby Posts: 7,737
    Andy_JS said:

    AfD still on 4.9% on updated exit poll numbers. SPD dropping a bit to 25.8%.

    Could Merkel get into bed with AfD?

  • MarkSeniorMarkSenior Posts: 4,699
    Interestingly CDU/CSU having campaigned strongly for voters to give them both votes rather than give one to FDP have laid themselves open to be removed from power by a SDP/Green/Linke coalition .
  • MrJonesMrJones Posts: 3,523
    Richard_Tyndall said:

    OT. Not sure what to make of this. Has anyone else heard anything about it?

    BRICS creating their own international internet cable system following US spying revelations.

    http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-brics-independent-internet-in-defiance-of-the-us-centric-internet/5350272

    America is a rogue state. China and Russia are trying to bring them down.
  • AveryLPAveryLP Posts: 7,815
    Scott_P said:

    @andrewpercy: So if I get this right. Labour's policy could see foreign apprentices being recruited to match foreign workers!!!

    Ed would have been better off keeping that sheet of paper blank, Scott.
  • MikeKMikeK Posts: 9,053
    Live election updates:
    http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/22/germany-election-results-merkel-live-updates
  • old_labourold_labour Posts: 3,238
    Charts etc for the state elections in Hesse. It looks like the FDP are out.

    http://wahltool.zdf.de/de/_html5/indexc.html?
  • RodCrosbyRodCrosby Posts: 7,737
    MarkSenior said:

    Interestingly CDU/CSU having campaigned strongly for voters to give them both votes rather than give one to FDP have laid themselves open to be removed from power by a SDP/Green/Linke coalition .

    They obviously don't understand their own electoral system!

    Not many do, mind...

    MMP=craptastic

  • FluffyThoughtsFluffyThoughts Posts: 2,420
    NickPalmer said:

    Both exit polls show FDP out, AfD just short. CDU not far from an absolute majority but not enough, so coalition with SPD looks nailed on (even if AfD get in after all).

    Ladies-and-gentlepersons: What a surpise....

    Sven plays his only Joker...!
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 124,519
    Merkel about to speak
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 33,090
    edited September 2013
    The updated exit poll gives the Union 42.1% and the combined share for SPD/Green/Linke also 42.1%.
  • old_labourold_labour Posts: 3,238
    Maybe it was not such a daft idea her closing those nuclear power stations after all.
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 33,090
    old_labour said:

    Maybe it was not such a daft idea her closing those nuclear power stations after all.

    It was in touch with German voters' desire for a quiet life.
  • AlanbrookeAlanbrooke Posts: 25,658
    edited September 2013
    ZDF forecasting 303 CDU seats, majority needs 304

    they've also moved AfD to 4.9% from 4,8%
  • richardDoddrichardDodd Posts: 5,472
    OL.. A great idea closing the nuclear power stations..until the lights go out...
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 33,090
    edited September 2013
    If the FDP do get 5%, would Merkel's present coalition have an even bigger majority than they do now?
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 124,519
    Steinbruck now speaking and looking beaten, no way he leading an SPD/Green/Linke coalition which on present calculations would only have a majority of 1 and none if the AfD squeek in
  • VerulamiusVerulamius Posts: 1,551
    @Andy_JS

    FPT - if you use politicalbetting.vanillaforums.com without javascript I find that there are no problems.
  • RodCrosbyRodCrosby Posts: 7,737
    Andy_JS said:

    If the FDP do get 5%, would Merkel's present coalition have an even bigger majority than they do now?

    No, the changes have reduced the winner's bonus. The 2009 majority would have been halved under the new system...

  • old_labourold_labour Posts: 3,238
    I meant she has a better chance of choosing whether she goes into a coalition with either the SDP or the Greens assuming the FDP do not crawl over the 5% line.

    Still, either outcome will expose Cameron's sham renegotiation with the EU before the "cast-iron" referendum in 2017.
    richardDodd said:

    OL.. A great idea closing the nuclear power stations..until the lights go out...

  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 33,090
    Exit poll updated again:

    Union: 42.5%
    Combined left: 41.8%

    http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/22/germany-election-results-merkel-live-updates
  • RodCrosbyRodCrosby Posts: 7,737
    edited September 2013
    Andy_JS said:

    Exit poll updated again:

    Union: 42.5%
    Combined left: 41.8%

    http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/22/germany-election-results-merkel-live-updates

    Should equate to a 4 seat Merkel CDU/CSU majority...

    But should AfD make it in, she'll be 17 seats short.

    However coalition with the AfD would produce a 34 seat majority...

    Clear as mud?
  • RobDRobD Posts: 60,112
    Giving a one seat majority to Merkel with 304 seats, unless I'm reading this wrong.
  • SouthamObserverSouthamObserver Posts: 39,735
    The Pirate Party has had something of a fall from grace. This time last year they were at 10% plus in the polls.
  • FluffyThoughtsFluffyThoughts Posts: 2,420
    edited September 2013
    Oh gosh; What a surprise! Sven's Joker looks like it may result in a Landes-slide. Ha-ha-Hah...!

    Edited to add: Don't show this picture to anyone Godfrey Bloom would not rightly slap!
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 33,090
    Some people suggesting Merkel might go for a grand coalition even if she wins a small outright majority. Why on earth would she do that, I ask?
  • TGOHFTGOHF Posts: 21,633
    German industry must be praying the Greens are not required.
  • old_labourold_labour Posts: 3,238
    Stability, and has she not been stealing policies from the SPD and Greens anyhow, like closing nuclear power stations and introducing rent controls?
    Andy_JS said:

    Some people suggesting Merkel might go for a grand coalition even if she wins a small outright majority. Why on earth would she do that, I ask?

  • RodCrosbyRodCrosby Posts: 7,737
    edited September 2013
    Andy_JS said:

    Some people suggesting Merkel might go for a grand coalition even if she wins a small outright majority. Why on earth would she do that, I ask?

    Stability? Avoiding bringing the nutters in to government?

    Anything less than a 6 or seven seat majority is probably insufficient, pointing to the Grand Coalition?
This discussion has been closed.