We have updated our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use for Eurasia Group and its affiliates, including GZERO Media, to clarify the types of data we collect, how we collect it, how we use data and with whom we share data. By using our website you consent to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, including the transfer of your personal data to the United States from your country of residence, and our use of cookies described in our Cookie Policy.
{{ subpage.title }}
German election outcome begins new era of three-party cooperation
Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sweden, shares his perspective from Europe:
What about the outcome of the German election?
Well, as expected, the Social Democrats under Olaf Scholz came out on top. They had a very credible campaign, presenting him primarily not as a Social Democrat, but as a possible successor to Angela Merkel. Then, It's going to take quite some time to form a new government and the exact outcome of that, not entirely certain.
Is this the beginning of a new era in the politics of Germany?
It certainly is. First, of course, Angela Merkel will step down whenever a new government comes into being. After 16 years, is a long period. She's been around more or less forever in the politics of Europe. And then also because of the fact that it will be necessary to have a government of three parties. That hasn't happened for very long time in Germany. And the key will be to bridge the difference between the Greens with their agenda, and the Liberals with a more liberal economic agenda. And how the two of them will come together will be key. Then I think the Social Democrats or possible the Christian Democrats will have to adjust to the agenda decided effectively by the Greens and the Liberals.
Germany's floods make climate, competence top issues for election
Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sweden, shares his perspective from Europe:
What will be the effects on the politics of Germany after the immense flooding?
Well, it's really been a catastrophe, nearly 200 people dead in Germany alone. First effect, naturally, questions about the competence of the government, has enough been done? And secondly, climate issues will be much more in forefront of the election campaign.
What are the details of the green package that was unveiled by the European Commission the other day?
Details, there are many. But there are two pillars of it. The first is the radical enlargement and strengthening of the ETS, the Emissions Trading System, to include housing and include transport. That's a fairly firm mission. Secondly is what is called a carbon border adjustment mechanism. That is a carbon tax on imports from countries that are less stringent on climate. Both of these are fairly significant measures. There will be a lot of debate both inside Europe and around the world about the effects that they will have, but if Europe is going to achieve the 55% reduction by 2030, that has been promised and is necessary, ain't much of an alternative.
- Hard Numbers: Germany's deadly floods, US drug overdoses soar ... ›
- Is Germany turning Green? - GZERO Media ›
- Panel: How can we get to "net zero" to fight climate change ... ›
- Europe's place in tomorrow's world - GZERO Media ›
- Bosnian Serbs will boycott government over genocide denial law - GZERO Media ›
Russia will withdraw forces from Ukraine but Putin reveals nothing
Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sweden, shares his perspective on Europe In 60 Seconds:
What are the Russians up to against Ukraine?
We simply don't know, except the fact that they're concentrating a huge amount of military forces. And you don't do that for nothing or for fun. They are there for a purpose, to have pressure or to undertake limited to larger operations. We simply don't know. And when Putin delivered his State of the Union speech the other day, he didn't say a thing about this. They are now talking about withdrawing the forces. But let's wait and see. They have talked about withdrawing forces from Syria for a long time, but we haven't seen that as of yet.
What's happening in the politics of Germany?
Well, in the politics of Germany, you have drama. You had the drama inside the CDU/CSU coalition on nominating a candidate for the chancellorship. They managed to sort that out with taking the candidate who is the least popular, according to public opinion. And then the Greens, of course, launched their candidate, a 40-year-old lady, no prior experience. But she's well in the opinion polls at the moment. So stay tuned. The politics of Germany is going to be interesting and important. We are talking about the third largest industrial economy of the world.
Hope for Europe's vaccine rollout; CDU setback in German elections
Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sweden, shares his perspective on Europe In 60 Seconds:
How is the rollout of vaccines in Europe going?
So-so might be the best answer to that question. The UK is significantly ahead of most of the EU countries. It's being difficult to rollout production or increase production sufficiently fast. But it will get better in the coming months. And I hope that the evils of vaccine-nationalists can be prevented.
What's the fallout of the German regional elections over the weekend?
I think there will be significant fallout from them. It was a setback for the governing CDU in Berlin, governing CDU, no question about that. Even more so for the sort of radical nationalist AfD. But prior to the September election, it has now widened the options for governance of Germany after that particular election or the discussion about that. A government without the CDU seems, well, if not likely, but then at least possible. But it has changed the landscape. But it's early days. September is a long way away, but German politics looks somewhat more dynamic after these elections.
Estonian PM resigns over corruption allegations; post-Merkel Germany
Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sweden, shares his perspective on Europe In 60 Seconds:
Why did the Estonian prime minister resign and what happens now?
Well, he had to resign because there were allegations of corruption in connection with a construction issue in in Tallinn. Let's see. I think my best guess is that there will be a new coalition with the new composition of parties and perhaps a more clear-cut commitment to reforms.
What does the post-Merkel future look like for Germany's CDU leadership?
Well, that remains to be seen. They will, the CDU, which is the most significant and most powerful political party in Europe, will elect its new leader on Saturday. Somewhat of an open race between three candidates. Then CDU, and CSU, the Bavarian sister party will elect a chancellor candidate in April. And then, of course, the electorate of Germany will have its final say at the election end of September.