THE IRON CHANCELLOR.
Is the Iron beginning to Rust?
A number of issues have arisen of late which appear to have tarnished her reputation – two of which can be considered major:
First, the bailout of Greece seen by many Germans as a continued drain of their Treasury to the absolute benefit of Greece.
Second, and more importantly, Merkel’s promise to settle 800,000 of the Middle East’s Refugees. As a daughter of a Lutheran Minister, her compassion is quite commendable however it is not resonating all that well with all of her countrymen.
For instance, Germany has a population of only 80 million whereas the United States, 4 times its size, has taken in but 1,500 refugees this year and promises to absorb another measly 10,000 over the course of 2016.
Moreover, leaked reports indicate that the actual number Germany is planning to accept is nearly double Merkel’s public figure or up to one and half million.
And Germany is not necessarily the poster child for such a humanitarian initiative – especially when it comes to foreigners. It was only in the 1930s when Hitler came to power promoting the superiority of the Aryan Race – blonde, blue eyed only need apply. (Does beg the question how Hitler himself qualified?)
Polling also shows that a streak of thought still permeates German Society to support the believe that natural born citizens are superior. This, coupled with the natural fear of trying to accommodate so many dislocated, is frightening not only its citizenry but also the citizens of its neighbouring EU Partners.
In the last two months, Chancellor Merkel’s popularity has dropped 14 points – and now stands at 54%. If the slide continues - as it likely will, she will soon be in minority territory.
Added to her difficulties is the fact that while her numbers are dropping significantly, her most outspoken critic – Horst Seehofer (Chairman of the Christian Social Union – CSU) has seen his popularity rise of late to 39%.
The CSU is also partner with Merkel’s own Party – the Christian Democratic Union and together, in coalition, the two Parties garnered 41.5% of the vote; close but not quite a majority in their Parliament.
At this point, I would not bet money on the likelihood of Merkel’s survival – especially once the onslaught on some Million and A Half Refugees begin arriving in earnest.
If this does in fact bring down the Iron Chancellor – not only will it have long term implications for Germany but will have an even greater impact on the European Union as a whole.
More on that in a future blog.
As I see it…
‘K.D. Galagher’
