The prescription for salvation: Merkel's legacy
This leadership model should be reassessed in the face of current crises.
The European Union (EU) and Germany are going through a period in which their historical responsibilities and values are being tested. Global economic uncertainties, the energy crisis, the war in Ukraine, and the rise of the far right are making Germany's leadership role more important than ever. In this process, considering not only Germany's and the EU's own internal balances but also their effects on the world order, the importance of responsible, flexible, and unifying policies is increasing.
A BLOC AGAINST THE FAR RIGHT
The rise of the far right in Germany poses a serious danger to the protection of democratic values. The rise of the AfD (Alternative for Germany) is fueled by anti-immigrant policies, discontent stemming from economic crises, and growing polarization in public opinion. However, the current programs of the SPD (Social Democrats) and the Greens are not sufficient to effectively stop this threat. A broader and more inclusive coalition needs to be formed.
1. Participation of All Democratic Forces: In addition to the SPD and the Greens, other left-wing and social democratic parties in Germany also need to be included in this bloc. Defending democratic values must become a priority above ideological differences between parties.
2. Christian Democrats and the CDU Voter Base: The consistent, flexible, and unifying policies pursued under Angela Merkel's leadership were effective in preventing the rise of the far right. At this point, it is essential for conservative parties such as the CDU and CSU to take a clear stand against the far right. Merkel's legacy should be treated as a guide in this process, and a sincere appeal should be made to the conscience of CDU voters.
3. The Common Ground of Democratic Values: The bloc to be formed against the far right should be not only a political alliance, but also a union that redefines democratic values. A program that takes a clear stand against racism, discrimination, and authoritarian approaches should be the cornerstone of this bloc.
THE FUTURE OF GERMANY AND THE EU
Germany's domestic politics has a decisive effect not only within its own borders, but also on the integrity of the EU and the world order. As the economic and political leader of the EU, Germany carries the responsibility of ensuring harmony and stability within the union. However, the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis, and geopolitical tensions risk weakening Germany's role. At this point, Germany needs to adopt a more flexible and responsible foreign policy.
The unpredictability of future US policies is forcing Europe to increase its own internal solidarity. The US may pursue policies that could rapidly change global balances, but in this process the EU needs to strengthen its own independence and unity. In this process, Germany should play a leadership role, increasing the EU's weight in global affairs.
POLITICAL FLEXIBILITY
Germany's foreign policy was shaped by fast and harsh decisions lacking flexibility during the Ukraine war process. Diplomacy requires reducing tensions and building bridges between parties. However, in this process, Germany preferred sanctions and direct intervention over diplomacy. This both deepened the energy crisis and weakened unity within the EU.
Policies aimed at the energy crisis contradicted Germany's environmentalist and sustainability-focused values. Short-term solutions such as the return to coal and nuclear energy damaged the credibility of the Green Party. Had an approach based on diplomacy and compromise been adopted, Germany and the EU could have suffered less damage.
ELECTION PARTICIPATION
The elections to be held in February 2025 will be decisive for Germany's future. However, low voter turnout could pave the way for the far right to gain strength. Strengthening democratic processes and increasing voter turnout are fundamental tools in the fight against the far right. Along these lines:
1. Raising Public Awareness: A broad awareness campaign should be launched about the importance of the democratic process. Young voters and citizens of immigrant origin in particular should be targeted.
2. Local Participation: Local governments can increase voters' trust in politics by offering solution-focused approaches to the public's problems.
3. Social Media and Digital Tools: Social media and digital platforms should be actively used to involve young voters in the process.
4. Transparency and Sincerity: Political parties should earn voters' trust by making sincere and concrete commitments in their programs.
MERKEL'S LEGACY
Angela Merkel's leadership was an effective model for managing crises, combining flexibility and determination. Under Merkel, Germany had held back the rise of the far right, preserved the unity of the EU, and taken on a balanced role in global affairs. This leadership model should be reassessed in the face of current crises. By embracing Merkel's legacy, the CDU can take a clear stand against the far right and keep the center-right voter base aligned with democratic values.
A SHARED FUTURE
The future of Germany and the EU depends on preserving democratic values, solidarity, and flexibility. A broad-based coalition to be formed against the far right is critical not only for Germany, but also for preserving the integrity and global role of the EU. The lessons to be drawn from Merkel's leadership can guide this process.
As the leader of Europe, Germany must fulfill its responsibility. This responsibility means not merely a national interest, but the preservation of a global system of values. Rather than breaking like plastic, politics must be able to change direction flexibly, like rubber. Otherwise, the cornerstones of European civilization could be damaged, and this would be a great loss for the entire world.