German leader Angela Merkel yesterday changed her position on Turkey's bid to join the EU as she took part in a TV election debate, saying: "It is clear that Turkey should not become a member of the EU."
The Chancellor was debating Martin Schulz, leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), who was president of the European Parliament until earlier this year, standing down to challenge Merkel to lead Germany.
When is Germany's election?
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Europe's biggest economy goes to the polls on 24 September. Merkel, leading the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, is seeking a fourth term in office.
Who is in the lead?
"Two years ago," says Deutsche Welle, it looked like Merkel was "done for" – but now she seems to be a safe bet, well ahead of Schulz in opinion polls. In 2015, Merkel was in the doldrums. Then she put her political future on the line with a policy of welcoming refugees. This principled stance has won her respect, especially among the young, while the far-right movement she defied has lost momentum.
If Merkel wins the election, will she govern outright?
No – she is sure to lead a coalition government, once again. However, latest polls suggest that rather than the grand coalition of the last parliament, Merkel may be in charge of a combination of her own CDU and the FDP (Free Democratic Party) liberals. A similar coalition governed germany from 2009 to 2013.
Why did Merkel U-turn on Turkey?
Merkel foreshadowed last night's U-turn late last week when she said it might be time to "rethink" relations with Turkey, after another two German citizens were arrested there. Germany says Turkey is now holding 12 of its citizens on "political grounds", as the BBC reported. But the Chancellor was "outfoxed" by Schulz last night, and "bounced" into getting off the fence and promising she would speak to her EU colleagues to agree to end Turkey's accession talks, says Reuters.
Who won last night?
Merkel won the TV debate, according to a survey by Infratest Dimap for ARD television, which suggested her performance was viewed as more convincing overall by 55 per cent of viewers, compared to 35 per cent who favoured Schulz.
-
Critics’ choice: Watering holes for gourmandsFeature An endless selection of Mexican spirits, a Dublin-inspired bar, and an upscale Baltimore pub
-
Argentinian beef is at the center of American farmers’ woesThe Explainer ‘It feels like a slap in the face to rural America,’ said one farmer
-
‘Businesses that lose money and are uncompetitive won’t survive’Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s Iron Lady set to be the country’s first woman prime ministerIn the Spotlight Takaichi is a member of Japan’s conservative, nationalist Liberal Democratic Party
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of TaiwanIn the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdownIN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American citiesUnder the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctionsThe Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024
-
What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over?TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the two nuclear-armed neighbors rattle their sabers in the wake of a terrorist attack on the contested Kashmir region, experts worry that the worst might be yet to come
-
Why Russia removed the Taliban's terrorist designationThe Explainer Russia had designated the Taliban as a terrorist group over 20 years ago
