Germany’s ‘it’ll be grand’ coalition inherits a country in crisis

The incoming chancellor must tackle economic decline and security concerns

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Friedrich Merz, leader of the German Christian Democrats (CDU). Photograph: Sean Gallup/Getty Images.
Friedrich Merz, leader of the German Christian Democrats (CDU). Photograph: Sean Gallup/Getty Images.

Hugh Linehan talks to Berlin correspondent Derek Scally about last weekend’s Bundestag elections, described as the most significant in decades.

The centre-right CDU will lead a new coalition, with the far-right AfD becoming the main opposition party.

Will the new coalition have what it takes to address Germany’s deepening economic and security concerns?

AfD leader Alice Weidel insists the government that is likely to emerge will not last.

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