Europe’s Most Powerful Leader is Back In Control

The past couple of months have proven tough for Angela Merkel. The German Chancellor has been under a high level of political scrutiny. Germany spent many days without a proper government, which seemed to limit her authority and strengthen the power of her opposition. Her power seemed provisional and her fate as chancellor was uncertain. With the result of the Social Democratic Poll on Sunday, everything changed. Heading a unified party and stable coalition government, Merkel can now look forward to a fourth four-year term as chancellor.

“Angela Merkel has survived all of the political scrutiny and managed to hold on, and her party will reward her for that” said Keith Knutsson of Integrale Advisors.

According to the poll results, 66% of those who voted backed a coalition with the Christian Democratic Party and Christian Social Union. This brings an end to the political uncertainty haunting the country since elections in September were indecisive. Although German voters now know who will lead the country for the next four years, the future is full of further uncertainty. Merkel, having been chancellor for 12 years already, is unlikely to run again in 2021.

The issue of succession is likely to cast a shadow over Merkel’s next term, with politicians already wondering how she will manage the transition. The leader will most likely leave the decision until the last moment to name her successor. Candidates for potential replacements include Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and Jens Spahn.