Germany election: What to know as voters decide what post-Merkel life looks like
CNNCNN — Germans will file into polling stations to vote in an unpredictable federal election on Sunday – but for the first time in nearly two decades, their longtime leader won’t be in contention. “Germany has done very well over the last 15 years from an economic perspective … Germany didn’t do that badly during the financial crisis, but the realization has crept in that that won’t last.” The European refugee crisis of the mid-2010s proved a major challenge to Merkel’s party, the Christian Democratic Union, and she has also earned detractors over her close relationship with China. “She’s seen very positively in Germany, because she’s associated with stability – people know what they’re getting,” said Ben Schreer, from the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ Berlin-based Europe office. Jesco Denzel/Bundesregierung/Getty Images “Macron will try to usurp Merkel’s position in Europe,” predicted Bergsen, signaling a possible shift in the balance of power towards France, Germany’s western neighbor. “The German position won’t necessarily change, but whoever now comes to power will have to deal with a broader coalition so they will find it slightly harder to lead on the international stage.” Looking further afield, Germany’s new leader will also have to balance the country’s relationships with the United States and China, two nations with whom Merkel attempted to maintain close ties.