The people are supposed to vote within the state (a.k.a. province), in which they are registered. We live in Baden-Württemberg, which is one of the wealthiest places in Germany, despite (we like to think: because) of a minister president who is stemming from the Green Party.
When it comes to parties the options are quite different from America, where they have a choice between one rock and one hard place. In Germany we can make our pick out of a whole bucket of questionable gems, and since usually no party gets the necessary majority to reign alone, coalitions have to be built, and bipartisan decisions are the norm. In fact we find it quite interesting how the almighty power of the politicians is being kept in check, and balanced out by compromises and agreements. And surprisingly enough, they are still making progress.
Lately a trend towards right wing oriented parties is on the rise, condemning the stance on welcoming fugitives. Shame on them. It is not the fugitives, that we are worried about. Yes, it could have been planned and organised much better but it is far from being a financial disaster or social burden for the people, there's still enough tax payer's moneys to spend. It's that specific crowd of our own people and their ignorant, heartless, even brutal mindset, leaving us puzzled. Anyway, we'll see tonight, what the outcome will be, hoping for the best.
Hmmm, so your system is such to prevent another Hitler from happening. Maybe we in the States should take a close look at it to possibly prevent a Trump from happening. ;-) (Ooo, did I just say that?)
ReplyDeleteFortunately, despite the wool that the parties try to pull over the citizens' eyes, our government is such that the President has limited direct powers.
As long as Congress remains deadlocked, we have nothing to fear: We'll just sit here and spin our wheels, neither slipping back, nor moving ahead. Ah, politicians--love to hate 'em, hate to love 'em.
As for the supposed two-party system, there's always the potential for independent candidate(s), like Ross Perot back in the early '90s. I wasn't much into politics then, but I was nonetheless fascinated by those goings-on.
Oh, the joys of living in republican (small r) governments, whether parliamentary or constitutional or whatever. Though it often is frustrating, there is seldom a dull moment, and it certainly could be a lot worse.
Interesting view, Ry. You got me thinking along the same lines... The power of the head of state (Chancellorette Angela Merkel) is also limited. However, the power being a public person is dangerous enough, exhibit A: Mr Drumpf, uhm Trump. I am in favour of our system, it adds some flavour to the dry topic that is politics.
DeletePoliticians, all crooks, doesn't matter which side they're on....
ReplyDeleteThey have to be, Dom. Otherwise they would not have become politicians in the first place. How I know that for a fact? I religiously watch House of Cards... it is probably closer to the truth than we would want to believe.
DeleteI was interested to see a photo of the leader of the AfD party, a young woman, to my eyes, not a tired old white man as is so often the case. The refugee issue is creating interesting tensions for the younger generations too it seems.
ReplyDeleteIt's a pretty label for an ugly party, and there are still a lot of angry old men in the background pulling the strings, Michael. However, I fail to understand why one would not want to help people who just escaped hell.
DeleteSonja, here's hoping for a strong and prosperous Germany!
ReplyDelete