The 2018 German Federal Election: A Seismic Shift Towards Coalition Politics and a Question Mark Over Germany's Future

The year 2018 saw a significant tremor shake the political landscape of Germany, an event that reverberated far beyond its borders. The federal election, held on September 24th, 2018, marked a departure from decades of stable two-party rule under Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU). While Merkel remained in power, albeit with a weakened mandate, the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the fracturing of traditional alliances painted a complex and uncertain picture for the future of German politics.

The Rise of Populism: A Wave Sweeping Across Europe

Germany wasn’t immune to the global surge in populist sentiment that had been gathering momentum for years. Concerns over immigration, economic inequality, and globalization fueled resentment against the established political order. The AfD, a relatively new party founded in 2013, capitalized on these anxieties, offering simplistic solutions and tapping into a deep vein of discontent. Their anti-immigration stance, coupled with their staunch opposition to Merkel’s refugee policies, resonated with a segment of the electorate disillusioned by perceived cultural changes and economic insecurity.

The AfD: Breaking the Mold

The results of the 2018 election were stark: the AfD emerged as the third largest party in the Bundestag, the German parliament, securing 94 seats and a staggering 12.6% of the vote. This was an unprecedented achievement for a far-right party in post-war Germany, shattering the taboo surrounding such ideologies.

The success of the AfD sent shockwaves through the political establishment. Their rise exposed the fragility of the consensus that had long defined German politics and highlighted the growing disconnect between traditional parties and segments of the population.

Coalition Negotiations: A Tangled Web

With no single party securing a majority, the stage was set for complex coalition negotiations. The CDU/CSU, led by Merkel, sought to form a “Jamaica” coalition with the Greens and the Free Democratic Party (FDP), named after their respective party colors. However, these talks proved to be fraught with difficulty. Disagreements over issues like immigration, climate policy, and fiscal responsibility ultimately doomed the negotiations.

A Grand Coalition: A Necessary Compromise

Facing the prospect of fresh elections, Merkel reluctantly agreed to form another “Grand Coalition” with the Social Democratic Party (SPD), a repeat of their previous partnership from 2013-2017. This decision, though seen as pragmatic, was met with mixed reactions within both parties. Many voters felt disillusioned by the lack of fresh ideas and the continued dominance of the two established parties.

The Grand Coalition endured for another four years, but it remained deeply fractured. Merkel’s authority was diminished, and public trust in traditional politics waned further.

Consequences and Legacy: A Nation at a Crossroads

The 2018 German federal election marked a pivotal moment in the country’s history. It exposed the growing polarization within German society and highlighted the challenges facing democratic institutions in an era of populist resurgence. The rise of the AfD, while unsettling for many, also served as a reminder of the importance of addressing the concerns and anxieties of ordinary people.

The subsequent Grand Coalition, while providing stability in the short term, underscored the limitations of traditional political alliances and the need for fresh approaches to policy-making. As Germany navigates an increasingly complex world, grappling with issues like climate change, technological disruption, and social inequality, the lessons of 2018 remain crucial. The country’s future depends on its ability to find innovative solutions that unite rather than divide its citizens, fostering a sense of shared purpose in a time of profound change.