Merkle
Merkle
Potential Challenges: Merkel's popularity is at its zenith, but she may face challenges in
maintaining such levels of support throughout her third mandate. The German economy's
reliance on growth from emerging markets and the ongoing Eurozone crisis present potential
obstacles.
In March 2016, Angela Merkel negotiated a migration agreement with Turkish President
Erdogan, supported by other European states. This agreement aimed to keep a significant
number of Syrian refugees in Turkey in exchange for financial aid amounting to six billion
euros.
Pragmatic approach
Cautious Leadership Style: Merkel is known for her frugal, cautious, and pragmatic
leadership style. The German public identifies with her approach, especially in managing the
Eurozone crisis. This cautious approach is seen as a stabilizing force in times of uncertainty.
Coalition Building and Compromise: Merkel's ability to navigate coalition politics reflects
her pragmatic approach. Despite facing challenges in finding a coalition partner, she is open
to compromises and negotiations, as seen in the mention of a potential Grand Coalition with
the SPD. This willingness to work with different parties demonstrates a pragmatic response to
the complex political landscape.
Angela Merkel maintained a privileged relationship with the United States while also
cultivating ties to the East, notably with Russia and China.
Embracing digital transformation
Merkel's government had implemented various policies to foster innovation and
leverage technology in Germany. Here are some key areas:
1. Digital Agenda for Germany: Angela Merkel's government had launched the
"Digital Agenda for Germany" in 2014. This initiative aimed to strengthen
Germany's position in the digital economy and society. It included measures
to promote digital infrastructure, enhance digital literacy, and support
research and innovation in the digital sector.
2. Industry 4.0: Merkel's government supported the concept of Industry 4.0,
which refers to the fourth industrial revolution characterized by the
integration of digital technologies into manufacturing processes. Policies
were directed towards supporting research and development in advanced
manufacturing technologies, the Internet of Things (IoT), and smart factories.
3. Research and Development (R&D) Funding: Germany has a strong tradition
of investing in research and development. Merkel's government continued to
allocate funds to support R&D activities, including those related to emerging
technologies. Public-private partnerships were encouraged to boost
innovation in various sectors.
4. Education and Skills Development: To ensure a skilled workforce for the
technology-driven economy, the German government, under Merkel,
emphasized education and skills development. Initiatives were launched to
enhance STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)
education and vocational training.