Dr Oliver Hartwich: German Götterdämmerung

Last November, Germany’s “traffic light” coalition collapsed and snap elections were called for February 2025. I dutifully registered to vote as a German living abroad. Following the proper procedure, I contacted the city council of the last place I lived before emigrating 21 years ago.

Germany allows its citizens to vote for 25 years following their emigration, so I still qualify – though only just.

Dr Oliver Hartwich: Merkel’s legacy still haunts German politics

If you believe last week’s hysterical headlines from Germany, you might think the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is about to take power in Europe’s largest economy. The reality is more complicated.

Last Wednesday, Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz allowed a parliamentary statement on migration controls to pass with AfD support. The move broke a long-standing taboo in German politics against any cooperation with the far right. Merz’s predecessor and former Chancellor Angela Merkel promptly condemned his tactics.

Dr Oliver Hartwich: Merkel’s 16 years of tactical drift

Angela Merkel is “fundamentally an optimist”, she tells Der Spiegel magazine in her first major interview since leaving office. One wonders why.

After all, Germany’s economy is struggling, its energy prices are among the highest in the world, its military barely functions, and its relations with Eastern European neighbours remain strained.

This interview, carefully staged to promote her forthcoming memoir Freedom: Memories 1954-2021, offers a revealing glimpse into the mind of one of the world’s most influential leaders.