New Times,
New Thinking.

The Merkel factor: how the Chancellor’s legacy is impacting the German election campaigns

The CDU and SPD are fighting their campaigns in the shadow of Merkel's monumental 16 years in office.

In the latest episode of our special series on the German election, Jeremy Cliffe in Berlin is joined by Michaela Kuefner, chief political editor at Deutsche Welle and host of the podcast Merkel’s Last Dance, and Dr Alex Clarkson of King’s College, London. They discuss Angela Merkel’s legacy, how the “Merkel factor” has shaped the election and why Armin Laschet’s Christian Democrats are struggling to win voters over with their campaign.

Jeremy also speaks to the New Statesman‘s election data expert, Ben Walker, for an update on the latest polls.

Angela Merkel looks on as Armin Laschet, chancellor candidate of the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU), speaks at the final session of the Bundestag before federal parliamentary elections take place on 26 September, 2021.
Angela Merkel looks on as Armin Laschet, chancellor candidate of the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU), speaks at the final session of the Bundestag before federal parliamentary elections take place on 26 September, 2021. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Further reading

Jeremy Cliffe’s essay, The Fateful Chancellor, explores what the end of the Merkel era means for the world. In a separate piece, he explains how Olaf Scholz and the SPD could lead Germany’s next government.

Dr Alex Clarkson proposes that, paradoxically, Angela Merkel’s strengths have weakened Germany.

Select and enter your email address The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
THANK YOU

How to listen to Germany Elects

1. In your browser

You can use the player above to listen in your browser right now. If you’d like to hear more from the series, all the episodes will be published to the Germany Elects page on NewStatesman.com. Previous episodes are available to listen to on-demand.

2. In a podcast app

Germany Elects is published directly into the main feed for the World Review podcast, available on all major podcast apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Acast, Google Podcasts, and more. Search “Germany Elects” in your favourite podcast app to see the episodes.

Subscribe to or follow the World Review podcast to make sure you receive new episodes as soon as they are published. While you’re there, please leave a review for the podcast – it helps others find the show, which in turn makes it possible for us to keep making it.

Content from our partners
The UK’s skills shortfall is undermining growth
<strong>What kind of tax reforms would stimulate growth?</strong>