Together with the economic slowdown, declining support for the governing coalition may (or may not) open the way to greater fiscal stimulus.The results of Sunday’s state elections in Saxony and Brandenburg will be scrutinised closely. A heavy CDU or SPD defeat would send shock waves through Berlin.Germany’s slowdown has raised expectations for further fiscal stimulus. The fragile situation of the two mainstream parties makes decision-making more complicated.Nevertheless, at least the debate...
Read More »German Economy Set to Recover
We expect German growth to pick up somewhat in the second half of the year, although we expect fiscal stimulus to remain limited. Germany’s economy weakened significantly in the second half of 2018. External headwinds remain strong and, in an environment where monetary-policy ammunition remains limited, all eyes have shifted towards German fiscal policy, especially as the country has generated significant budget...
Read More »German economy set to recover
We expect German growth to pick up somewhat in the second half of the year, although we expect fiscal stimulus to remain limited.Germany’s economy weakened significantly in the second half of 2018. External headwinds remain strong and, in an environment where monetary-policy ammunition remains limited, all eyes have shifted towards German fiscal policy, especially as the country has generated significant budget surpluses since 2011.Beyond the already implemented 2019 fiscal stimulus, the...
Read More »Political fragmentation means Jamaica coalition is the only option
The German election proved less predictable than some thought. Coalition talks are likely to be long and difficult, complicating moves to deepen European integration.Angela Merkel looks set to secure a fourth term as Chancellor amid growing fragmentation and a surge in far-right support. The only arithmetically possible options are another Grand Coalition (ruled out by the SPD) and a Jamaica coalition between the CDU-CSU, FDP and the Greens (very difficult due to diverging positions on a...
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