This section World Leaders will review the most important politicians for 2017. We begin with the German Chancellor.
Angela Merkel
The German Chancellor will face an important deadline in September 2017. Merkel is once again standing for election as chancellor of the Bundesrepublik; if she wins, it will be her fourth term in the role. However, the results of these elections are less predictable than they were in 2013. Merkel has had a difficult year, illustrated by the mass arrival of Syrian refugees to Germany, which weakened her high popularity. Despite this, 59% of Germans are in favour of Merkel becoming Chancellor for a fourth term (Stern, 11, 2016).
In fact, Merkel remains the favourite to win the next elections. Her biggest opponent will most likely be Martin Schulz (SPD). The now ex-President of the European Parliament looks to be the best candidate to run against Merkel. He officially decided not to stay at the European Parliament on the 24th of January, in order to prepare for the German elections.
The support of the SPD is currently at an all-time low, with only 20% of votes in the polls (compared to 25% in 2013). Martin Schulz is one of the most beloved politicians in Germany, thanks to his European career. Can he save the socialists of the SPD from an important defeat? We’ll find out in September!
Edited by Georgie Holmes
