Germany's Politics of Compromise
The German politics of compromise has been compromised, and it is up to Merz and his ministers to deliver on policy and demonstrate that reason still prevails.
Author and commentator John Kampfner notes that Germany's postwar democracy was built on coalition negotiations, with mainstream parties working together to forge deals and run the country.
- Coalition and negotiations were the foundation of Germany's democracy.
- No single group or individual could wield untrammeled power.
- Measures required committee review, cabinet discussion, compromise, and parliamentary approval.
The onus is on Merz and his ministers not just to deliver on policy but to clearly demonstrate that all isn’t lost for the painstaking politics of reason.
Author: John Kampfner, a British author, broadcaster, and commentator, and regular POLITICO columnist, with his latest book "In Search of Berlin" published by Atlantic.
Summary: Germany's politics of compromise is at risk, and Merz must deliver on policy.