A Changing Germany in a Changing Europe? The German Elections and Implications for Europe [Audio]

Speaker(s): Christian Odendahl,Professor William Paterson,Dr Natascha Zaun | Editor's note: We apologise for the poor audio quality of this podcast. The forthcoming elections in Germany have important implications for Germany, for Europe and international politics. For the UK, the next German Chancellor will likely have a crucial impact on the ‘BREXIT’ outcome. The re-election of Angela Merkel would further strengthen her international status – not to be underestimated by Moscow or Washington. But recent elections in different countries have produced surprises, on occasions. The elections may give a signal as to the current appeal of the centre-left in Europe and the prospects for social democracy. The outcome will be watched closely also in Paris, with President Macron keen to assert Franco-German leadership to revive the EU. Christian Odendahl @COdendahl is Chief Economist, Centre for European Reform. William Paterson is Honorary Professor of German and European Politics, Aston Un