The New York Times released an article detailing the legislative proceedings in Germany concerning the failing economy in the European Union. This should give Americans some relief to know the rest of the first world nations face the same predicament. With Greece essentially bankrupt, Italy not fairing much better with waste over flowing the streets of Venice because of failing funds and civil programs, and many other affluent European nations facing a stark economic crisis, it becomes a pressing issue to rectify the instability before the weakness of some nations begins to hinder the prosperity of the other members of the EU. However, as a multi-nation organization, the resilient nations have a responsibility to those that are less stable to lend a hand through trying times. Thus, Germany easily passed a bill that increased the amount of euros for the bailout fund for struggling European nations from 123 billion euros to 211 billion euros. It passed easily with a vote count of 523 in favor and 85 against. While an easy victory it was extremely important for Chancellor Merkel to have a strong showing from her fellow party members. Many voiced concern as some of Merkel’s party members in parliament did not support the bill. It is completely different temperance and mentality in the subtleties of politics in Germany vs. the United States. In the United States, there are primaries voted on by the public to select party candidates, so having the allegiance and support of one’s party members is not relatively important. In Germany however, candidates are named by the party themselves, so having a turbulent relationship with one’s fellow party members can be a travesty for one’s political career. Fortunately, Merkel still had enough party support to pass the bill without opposing party votes, indicating that she is still very much in control.
The fact that the European Union is undergoing stress due to the failing economies of Greece, Italy, and moreover the smaller, weaker members seems to be a global symptom of overuse of resources that are not readily available. Germany’s actions in the EU to raise the bailout euro amount proves that it is a resilient nation in a time of economic strife racketing those countries who over consume without managing resources properly. Germany is a strong nation in regards to resource management and economic development. Lucky for Chancellor Angela Merkel, she has the support she needs from her party members in order to execute her version of the German agenda. Greece and Italy are clearly in need of their European Union counterparts and with any precision, Germany, as a leader in the EU, will be able to recreate a system that brings stability within those struggling countries.
ReplyDeleteWithout the support of one's country but especially one's own party members is highly discouraging. Chancellor Merkel luckily is backed up by her party members in executing her plans for the German agenda. Being a leader in the EU, Germany will be able to forge through these rough times in an effort to bring stability even in the midst of great stress from other European countries. With the efforts of Germany to rebuild these fallen nations shows not only the struggling nations but other nations worldwide that a supportive effort speaks bounds for the German people as well as their political leaders.
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