A Problem for Merkel and Germany

State parliament elections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania were widely regarded as a referendum on immigration. German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union lost to a right-wing populist party. Alternative for Germany, formed in 2013, initially opposed the euro and eurozone bailouts, later shifting focus to target immigration, refugees and Islam. Merkel’s position as chancellor is secure for the time being, but Sebastian Fischer, writing for Spiegel Online, argues that fear triumphed over reason and politicians trying to address a broad range of concerns must be alert: “[T]he returns on Sunday made clear that an increasing number of voters, at least in Germany's east, are turning their backs on the established, democratic party system.... it doesn't seem to matter much if the economy is improving, cities are being renewed and the tourist sector is doing well…. And it is possible for a party to campaign on fears of refugees even in a state that very few foreigners call home.” As a political leader, Merkel relies on facts and reason, a bane for populists. Populist parties with a narrow focus and promises of quick fixes threaten Germany and Europe. – YaleGlobal