2017 German Federal Election: A Catalyst for Political Change and a Prelude to Coalitions

Germany, with its rich history and vibrant political landscape, has always been a nation at the forefront of European affairs. From the rise and fall of empires to the reunification of its eastern and western halves, Germany’s trajectory has often mirrored broader continental shifts. Yet, even in this context, the 2017 federal election stands out as a pivotal event, marking a significant departure from traditional political norms and setting the stage for a new era of coalition politics.
The 2017 election was triggered by the expiration of Angela Merkel’s third term as Chancellor. Merkel, who had steered Germany through the tumultuous years following the global financial crisis and navigated the complex challenges posed by the Eurozone debt crisis, announced her intention to seek re-election for a fourth term. However, the political landscape had undergone considerable transformation since her previous victory in 2013. The rise of populist movements across Europe, fuelled by anxieties over globalization, immigration, and economic inequality, was palpable even in traditionally stable Germany.
The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), a right-wing party founded in 2013, capitalized on these sentiments, campaigning on an anti-immigration platform and calling for stricter controls on national borders. The AfD’s message resonated with a segment of the electorate disillusioned by mainstream parties and seeking radical change. Their campaign gained momentum throughout the year, culminating in their entry into the Bundestag, the German federal parliament, for the first time.
The entry of the AfD into the Bundestag shattered the post-war consensus that had characterized German politics for decades. For the first time since World War II, a right-wing populist party held seats in the German parliament. This development sent shockwaves through the political establishment and triggered a period of intense soul-searching about the future direction of the country.
The election results also revealed a broader trend towards fragmentation in the German political landscape. The traditional parties, such as Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), lost ground to smaller parties like the Greens and the Free Democrats (FDP). This splintering of the electorate made it difficult for any single party to secure a clear majority in parliament, paving the way for complex coalition negotiations.
Merkel’s CDU/CSU emerged as the largest party, but with only 33% of the vote, they were forced to seek partners to form a government. Initial attempts to forge a “Jamaica Coalition” – named after the parties’ colors (black for the CDU/CSU, yellow for the FDP, and green for the Greens) – faltered due to ideological differences on issues such as migration policy and environmental protection. After weeks of intense negotiations, Merkel eventually opted for a grand coalition with the Social Democratic Party (SPD), continuing their governing partnership from 2013-2017.
This decision sparked debate within both parties. The SPD faced criticism from its left wing for entering into another grand coalition with Merkel’s conservative bloc, perceived as ideologically incompatible and leading to further compromises on key policy issues.
The consequences of the 2017 election were far-reaching. It exposed the growing dissatisfaction with traditional politics among segments of the German population, contributing to a rise in populism and political fragmentation. The need for coalition governments highlighted the evolving nature of German democracy and the challenges of navigating diverse political viewpoints.
Moreover, the prolonged negotiations and Merkel’s eventual decision to form another grand coalition underscored the difficulty of finding consensus in a complex and increasingly polarized political landscape.
The 2017 election marked a turning point in German politics, ushering in an era of greater uncertainty and forcing parties to adapt to new realities. The rise of the AfD as a significant political force demonstrated the vulnerability of established parties to populist challenges, while the fragmented electoral landscape underscored the need for compromise and coalition-building.
In the aftermath of this pivotal event, Germany faced the task of navigating its evolving political identity and finding common ground amidst deepening divisions.
Party | Seats | Percentage of Vote |
---|---|---|
CDU/CSU | 246 | 33% |
SPD | 153 | 20.5% |
AfD | 94 | 12.6% |
FDP | 80 | 10.7% |
Left Party | 69 | 8.9% |
Greens | 67 | 8.9% |