German Finance Minister Klingbeil speaks at the Jacques Delors Centre at Hertie concerning Germany‘s role in Europe. He said the right things about the need for what would amount to a capital markets union.

Great speech at the #HertieSchool from Christine Lagarde on what it would take for the euro to overtake the dollar as the world’s main reserve currency

„Germany and Europe need to become more independent from other continents. Also in the field of health“ —Berlins Mayor Kai Wegner at the New Year Reception at Charité in Berlin

There was a time when the Germans would have been front and center as well. Lame duck Chancellor? This time it is about security? Germans wouldn’t be expected to contribute troops on the ground in any peace deal?

84 percent turnout. Decent jump for Germany. Huge difference to what one sees in the US.

The German polls are closed. The big question is whether the FDP and BSW manage 5 percent and get in after all. But no denying a big slap to the SPD, and the rise of the AfD especially in the East.

This is the latest poll that includes both the Left and the BSW.