Time will tell indeed. I think that the birth was so difficult that I can't see the Coalition lasting.

Your analysis is spot on BTW.
P. | Homepage | 18.11.05 - 8:15 pm | #

@P. Thanks. Like you, I can't see it lasting either. Even in his speech at the signing of the coalition deal, I thought I detected a hint from Stoiber along exactly those lines.
Berlinbear | Homepage | 20.11.05 - 11:53 am | #

I think the real point is that there is such a limited amount of political space that they can agree on. The changes to the federal system seems to be one, they have a compromise on VAT and tax which they have come up with...but that is not going to go down well with the voters.

I guess they will just spend the next few years jockeying for position with regards the next election, which is interesting as they will have to oppose each other whilst working together...otherwise the Linke and the FDP will be the real winners from the Grand Coalition.
P. | Homepage | 21.11.05 - 1:19 pm | #

@ P.
Yes indeed, I quite agree. I fully expect to see a lot of jockeying for position and then one or the other party jumping ship when the time is right, especially if they think they can get away with blaming the breakdown of the coalition on the other party and therefore capitalise. It ain't going to be pretty.
BerlinBear | Homepage | 22.11.05 - 11:26 am | #