To Follow or to Abstain?
Ralf Beste et al, Der Spiegel (translated) | February 2, 2009
Obama’s presidency is causing political divisions in Berlin. ++ Merkel is patiently waiting to see Obama’s actual policy plans before giving her unconditional support. ++ FM Steinmeier, on the other hand, has enthusiastically joined “Obamania,” perhaps thinking that this attitude might gain him popularity votes in the 2009 election. ++ But at the end of the day, Chancellor and FM should put their petty differences to the side and look for the best way in which German interest and the policies of the new President can coexist.
