The war of succession

German politics are in trouble. Who could step into Merkel’s shoes? The three major parties have named their candidates to head the next German government. Post-war German elections have tended to be a polite confrontation between the similar centrist policies of the two main parties, often engaged in the Grosse Koalition. Yet, 2021 is an incredibly intense election year, with contrasting visions and competing personalities. Almost everything is possible this time.