First ever Green Prime Minister?

[zeleneye]

This weekend, there are important state elections in Germany in two federal states. In Baden-Württemberg - one of Germany's biggest, wealthy and most powerful federal states - there is a very real chance that the Greens could emerge as the big winners and lead the government*. This would give them the first ever Green prime minister (or minister president).

*All recent polls are suggesting that, after almost 6 decades of conservative government, there will be a red-green coalition, with the SPD and the Greens neck and neck. Of course, polls can be misleading, particularly in a conservative state with a divisive and controversial prime minister...but it is worth watching.

[What the Fug]

Stop the press Greens when an election to a local authority.

[zeleneye]

Stop the press Greens when an election to a local authority.

Your ignorance is clearly bliss: Baden Württemberg is one of the richest regions in Europe (second I think) with a population of over 10 million and GDP double that of Ireland. Germany is a federal country in which state governments have signicant powers (and that is ignoring the power of the Bundesrat).

[What the Fug]

Your ignorance is clearly bliss: Baden Württemberg is one of the richest regions in Europe (second I think) with a population of over 10 million and GDP double that of Ireland. Germany is a federal country in which state governments have signicant powers (and that is ignoring the power of the Bundesrat).

Does it have a seat at the UN?
Does it have its own currency?
Does it set it own interest rates?
Does it have its own standing Army?
Can't see their ambassador listed at the court of St James


Local authority, stop over egging a success and people might start taking you seriously again.

[Ulster-Lad]

In fairness he is talking about the downfall of Merkle's coalition in several elections now. She will be in the minority shortly and therefore a new chancellor will need to be appointed for Germany.

[zeleneye]

Does it have a seat at the UN?
Does it have its own currency?
Does it set it own interest rates?
Does it have its own standing Army?
Can't see their ambassador listed at the court of St James


Local authority, stop over egging a success and people might start taking you seriously again.

You sir, are what the Germans call an 'island ape'.

There is a world outside Ireland you know. You should try and inform yourself about it some time.

The BaWu government is arguably more important in the grand scheme of things than the Irish government.

Does it have its own currency? Does Ireland?
Does it set it own interest rates? Does Ireland?
Does it have its own standing Army? Does Ireland? I mean really?

[What the Fug]

In fairness he is talking about the downfall of Merkle's coalition in several elections now. She will be in the minority shortly and therefore a new chancellor will need to be appointed for Germany.

Yes but the crude spin reflected in the thread title is annoying

[What the Fug]

You sir, are what the Germans call an 'island ape'.

There is a world outside Ireland you know. You should try and inform yourself about it some time.

The BaWu government is arguably more important in the grand scheme of things than the Irish government.

Does it have its own currency? Does Ireland?
Does it set it own interest rates? Does Ireland?
Does it have its own standing Army? Does Ireland? I mean really?

Re Ireland
As I keep saying 800 years trying to get independence and gave it away in 80 years.

[Simon.D]

This anything to do with the Japanese Nuke crisis I wonder?

[Ulster-Lad]

This anything to do with the Japanese Nuke crisis I wonder?

Good question.

Economics Minister Rainer Brüderle has said that the snap decision to temporarily shut down seven nuclear reactors in Germany in the wake of the disaster in Fukushima was motivated by campaign tactics ahead of state elections this weekend. The claim threatens to rob Chancellor Merkel of what little credibility she had left.

Nuclear Moratorium a Campaign Tactic: Merkel Cabinet Colleague Spills the Atomic Beans - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International