German Election: Who could have Merkel's ear in potential coalition gov't?

World
Europe

To the German election now. With Chancellor Angela Merkel's party well ahead in the polls, many are wondering who could have her ear in a coalition government if she wins. CGTN's Guy Henderson looks at two of the main contenders.

The vehicle is a hybrid BMW — the venue: an environmentally-friendly shoe-maker. Germany's Green Party may be seen as more pro-business these days but on the campaign trail it's still playing up its roots.

KATRIN GOERING-ECKARDT THE GREENS "We are the party that takes care of the environment — the needs of human beings are clean air, clean water, clean food. In government, our first goal will be to stop countries in crisis regions suffering because of our lifestyle."

The Greens already govern in 10 German states and over the years, they've pushed many of their core policies into the mainstream. Perhaps a victim of their own success amid low poll ratings — still, even a few seats in the Bundestag, the national parliament, could see them back at the top table nationally.

GUY HENDERSON DUSSIN, GERMANY "Polling has proved in some cases wildly inaccurate in recent elections in Europe and the United states. Nonetheless, there's little to suggest quite the same appetite for major political upheaval here in Germany. More likely, perhaps — a change in a coalition partner for Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats."

Currently — the center-left Social Democrats, though their support under new leadership has slumped after a surge earlier this year. If it stays that way, other parties may have to help fill the resulting gap.

The revived Free Democrats are also staking a claim. Their libertarian leader, Christian Lindner, is the party's sole star and he's promising a shake-up.

CHRISTIAN LINDNER FREE DEMOCRATIC PARTY "Current politicians are busy with maintaining the status quo — there needs to be a change in mentality."

Lindner's at home among this more sophisticated crowd — offering things like lower taxes and welfare payments and less red tape.

CHRISTIAN LINDNER FREE DEMOCRATIC PARTY "We're in the middle of the second industrial revolution — we've already lost out over the last four years, and we shouldn't lose another four. We could lose millions of jobs — but we also have the opportunity to create millions of new jobs: if the framework is right."

After a period of crisis, the next few years could prove to be a decisive phase for re-shaping in European politics. If the continent's most powerful politician wins again — who has her ear will count. GH, CGTN, GERMANY.