Good news for Europe and … France: the German Social Democratic Party (SPD) announced this Sunday the much-anticipated result of the internal referendum among its approximately 463,000 members, with the majority, larger than expected, voting in favor of a new “Grand Coalition” with the conservatives (CDU/CSU).
Angela Merkel—victorious but weakened from the September 24 elections—thus overcomes the last hurdle to begin her fourth term.
This also marks the end of a long and unprecedented post-electoral imbroglio for Europe’s largest economy, at a time when the EU, shaken by the Brexit crisis and the rise of nationalism, needs a solid executive in Germany more than ever.
France regains a reliable allied government, and President Macron gains a partner to advance ambitious reforms.
