Olaf Scholz moved closer to becoming German National Mayor last week. It came as his Social Democratic Party SPD entered a second round of exploratory coalition talks The Greens are currently in the 'kingmaker' position, having placed third in the election with 14.8 percent, while the FDP came fourth.
The EU will likely be keeping a close eye on the results given Germany's great influence within the bloc. Much has been said about the future of the EU's society in Brussels after the official departure of Angela Merkel from her role as the new coalition government. Merkel spent the last 16 years shaping not only the German political landscape but also of the EU. Whenever a new chancellor will pick up where Mrs Merkel left in the EU, some argue that Germany is desperate to play down its position within the bloc.
This desire was exceeded, said Dr Alim Baluch, a professor who specialises in German politics at the University of Bath, when the UK left the EU. Why should Germany now be concerned because it no longer has Britain to shade the extent of its power, according to the expert. Why isn't Mrs. Merkel sure whether the place in the European Union would disappear now or not? uk: No, but Germany doesn't mind if it is seen as just one of many European countries. The concern of Germany is to not be seen as the over-powerful leader of the EU. Only IN: British fishermen warn to expect retaliation over Brexit fishing row
But it is massively influential, and it's trying to play it down — that's Germany's game. Brexit made it so much more difficult because the third largest economy has gone, and now Germany looks even bigger. He said the fact that Germany was in massive financial trouble made things more difficult for France and its hopes of deflecting its power. Dr Baluch continues: So that is Germany's worry — that it will become an even bigger giant after the UK's departure — it doesn't want its leadership role in the EU questioned. Brexit live: We need to play hardball and celebrate. EU splintering as fury erupts REPORT Emily Thornberry stalks Truss for 'photo ops' INSIGHT Vicky Price shoots down Sturgeon's dreams of independent ANALYSIS but, Germany's role is very secure; it doesn't depend on the personality of the chancellor. Further negotiations between the so-called traffic light coalition — reference to their party colours – are scheduled for Friday evening. According to DW, the party representatives have said they hope to present initial results at the end of the week. None of the negotiators have yet given details as to the state of talks.
The only differences between the individuals that have escaped the meetings are the differences of opinion in a number of areas. Two of the most fundamentals are on finance - the FDP is pro-business - and environment - The Greens want to push for a green agenda. Much of the Greens' policies overlap with the SPD in areas such as taxation on the wealthy to bankroll climate protection policies. The FDP are however against such ideas, preferring market-based solutions.