It was just at the beginning of the year that the sceptics frowned on another poll win for German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The ‘mum’, as she is called, had opened the country’s doors to refugees and asked other European countries to follow suit. It didn’t go down too well and all kinds of scenarios were discussed.
But half a year on and on the brink of another election, most parties are now fighting for the third spot. Merkel’s political career couldn’t look better and the country seems to be sitting strong economically. In fact, the economy is one of the main factors why the electorate seems to be backing Merkel. She has become one of the principal cheerleaders for free trade amid a global surge of economic and political nationalism. Germany’s $280 billion (Dh1.03 trillion) trade surplus in goods last year was surpassed only by $479 billion for larger China, according to United Nations data. Its exports in recent years represented around 46 per cent of Germany’s gross domestic product, according to the World Bank; while that of the US is about 13 per cent. While two-thirds of Germany’s exports currently go to the rest of Europe, it maintains its truly global trade footprint through a network of 130 international chambers of commerce in 90-odd countries. Driving Germany’s trade is its dominance in several competitive industries, including industrial and other machines, cars and pharmaceuticals. With Merkel’s party far ahead in the polls, but unlikely to gain an absolute majority, the chancellor will need to partner with one or more of the smaller parties.
Merkel has been able to keep her hold on Germany and the rest of Europe by using a combination of economic sense, pragmatic approach and willingness to adopt liberal competitors’ ideas. The Protestant pastor’s daughter, who grew up in East Germany, can now look at strengthening her position and that of her country.
