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The future of German politics and U.S.-Germany relationsOct. 2, 2009 Wrap, suggested lead: Recent elections have changed the political landscape in Germany. As Mark Schwerin reports, relations between the United States and the nation with Europe's leading economy are expected to remain close. (1:02/Schwerin/STD) German Chancellor Angela Merkel won a second term in an election that shifted power away from the country's Social Democrats. But the big victors in the race were the Free Democrats, who will form a coalition with Merkel, says Dr. Gunther Hega, a WMU associate professor of political science. (:36/Hega....................................................big winners.) Hega says the economic crisis in Germany was a big factor in the elections. From Western Michigan University, I'm Mark Schwerin. Actualities: CUT ONE: Hega says the Free Democratic Party, Merkel's junior coalition partner, has already put some demands on the table. (:41/Hega.......................................................quite as much.) CUT TWO: Hega says he doesn't see many changes ahead in U.S-Germany relations. (:39/Hega.........................................................the short run.) CUT THREE: Hega says that in the future, Germany will be run by coalitions of multiple parties, like many other European nations. (:35/Hega........................................................its neighbors.) For additional comments or an interview with Hega, call
(269) 387-5885. WMU Radio News Service Media contact: Mark Schwerin, 269 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu |