Rightist groups are gaining ground in German politics, through direct electoral support and through exerting ideological influence on mainstream parties.
But for the time being, German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s politicking has averted any threat to her coalition government.
How did Ms. Merkel’s political brinkmanship help her win allies?
Angela Merkel is now in her 4th term as German Chancellor, and has weathered many crises without jeopardising the stability of her government.
The 2017 German election was inconclusive with no party gaining a majority due to the erosion of votes by smaller extremist parties.
Merkel’s long time ally “Social Democratic Party” (SPD) was also refusing to support her government and preferred sitting in the opposition.
But eventually, SDP revived the coalition with Ms. Merkel’s conservative “Christian Democratic Union” (CDU) in order to avert another poll.
Thereby, Ms. Merkel managed to have her way and stood her ground with her moderate political outlook.
How did she handle the current crisis?
Refugee Policy – Ms. Merkel is the most vocal proponent of openborders within the “European Union” and is presently the linchpin of grouping.
But this policy also entails refugees to enter Germany even though they might have registered themselves (as refugees) in another European country.
Many politicians (including among the ruling alliance) sought to plug this influx and also send those already in Germany to the countries of registration.
The issue threatened to end 70-year alliance of Merkel’s CDU with Bavaria based “Christian Social Union” (CSU).
Compromise - Ms. Merkel asserted that curtailing entry would undermine the European Block’s cherished “Schengen Passport-free Zone”.
To assuage the dissenting voices, she proposed to accommodate those seeking refuge at transit centres along the borders with Austria.
As Ms. Merkel has agreed to send them back to the countries of registration eventually, this is a partial victory for those demanding tighter borders.
But nonetheless, Ms. Merkel has been holding strong in her endeavour to preserve the integrity of Euro-Zone.
What are the implications?
The recent compromise is a further dilution of Ms. Merkel’s bold 2015 move to allow about a million refugees into Germany.
Notably, refugee flow has actually been declining since 2016, and the current political unrest was caused due to approaching elections in Bavaria Province.
This is a clear indication of Germany’s major mainstream parties facing pressures from smaller rightist groups, like in many other European countries.
On the other hand, the reality of mass immigration today calls for a concerted approach on conflict resolution and respect for the rule of law.
