Tassos Symeonides
(RIEAS Academic Adviser)
Copyright: Research Institute for European and American Studies (www.rieas.gr) Publication date: 25 September 2017
Note: The article reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily the views of the Research Institute for European and American Studies (RIEAS).
Merkelism held fast in Germany’s general elections. It emerged though bruised with only an estimated 32% of the vote and is now in need to strike awkward alliances to form a government. The Social Democrats, led by a former bookseller and recovered alcoholic, who attempted suicide in 1980, collapsed to 21% in its worst defeat since the end of World War Two. But the focus of feverish attention was the far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD) that was catapulted to third place and prepares to enter the Bundestag with close to 90 deputies. Read more