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Source: 30dB.com – Merkel-and-Fourth-and-Term
The center-left Christian Democratic Party is widely seen as a shoo-in for most parliamentary seats, and its leader, Angela Merkel, will likely land a fourth term as Chancellor after voting concludes on Sunday. But although Merkel’s victory is all but assured, it’s not by as secure a margin as in previous elections. Anti-immigration sentiment has sent the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) into double digits at the polls, and it’s expected to win anywhere between 8 and 12 percent of the vote. For Merkel’s party, which has ruled out any possibility of a coalition with AfD, that could leave it unable to form a government. Merkel’s tenuous situation is best seen on Social, where she pulls only 56 percent positive sentiments. The election could turn out to be less of a general election and more of a referendum on how solidly voters approve of her immigration policies. And if it turns out they don’t, AfD will make sure to rub it in Merkel’s face. –Hugo Guzman
Republished from 30dB