Parties, Candidates, Issues. Germany in an Election Year

On September 24, Germans are heading to the polls to vote for their next parliament and their chancellor. Will Angela Merkel defend her position, after twelve years at the head of the German government? Or will her challenger from the Social Democratic Party, Martin Schulz, triumph on election day? Yet what at first glance seems to be a race between two parties and two politicians is an event taking place in a more complex multi-party system. Under the right conditions, even smaller parties might prove decisive in the end. And what issues drive Germans to the polls?

For Americans, the German political system might seem confusing at first, since it is vastly different from the U.S. political system. Who wields how much power in this system? Who is actually being elected and under what conditions? And what do the individual political parties actually stand for?

The event is an introductory event to German politics and is aimed at English-speakers in the Kaiserslautern region. It is the perfect opportunity to ask your questions about German politics, the current political climate, transatlantic relations and foreign policy. No matter if you are a novice to the field or already keep up with German politics, everyone is welcome. We’re looking forward to an interesting talk and a great discussion!

Cover: (c) by Atlantic Academy

is a Professor of German and Comparative Politics at the University of Kaiserslautern. His research is focused on multi-level governance as well as political institutions and processes. His most recent publication is “The Complex Republic. Organisation of the State in Germany”, published in 2016.  In 2005, Prof. Höreth was a Visiting Professor at Georgetown University Law Center (GULC), Washington D.C., USA.