Current Event 2/25/12

In the wake of German President Christian Wulff's resignation, Joachim Gauck receives support from German politicians and citizens. Describing himself as a conservative liberal leftist, Gauck is a Lutheran pastor and civil rights activist. Growing up in East Germany after WWII, Gauck was inspired to work in politics after witnessing the harsh political treatment of his father by the Soviets. Gauck was denied this opportunity to study, and ended up going to school for theology. A critic of the East German regime and a "dissenter," Gauck frequently encouraged protests against East German government, and eventually became a representative in the East German legislature, serving until the German reunification in 1989. Afterwards, he served in the East German Secret Police, but has also been a popular candidate for president in every election since 1999. His politics have been criticized by some members of the Left Party, but other political parties in Germany respect Gauck. He has the highest ratings in public polls, and is supported by Angela Merkel's administration. 

Although the highest controversy regarding Gauck is the fact that he is not currently active in politics at the moment, the German people do not seem to mind. This is promising news for Gauck. In my opinion, Gauck's record of civil rights activism showcases him as a man of the people, and his low political activity gives him a clean political slate for the presidency. Despite the confusion of the term "conservative liberal leftist," Gauck seems poised to team up with Angela Merkel and perpetuate Germany's strong role in the Eurozone. 

http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,15751782,00.htm

Current Event 2/18/12

German president Christian Wulff has resigned from his post under a cloud of scandal and corruption. In an address to the media, he thanked his constituents and family for their support, but announced that this was the easiest way to end his term and clear the way for his successor. Angela Merkel cancelled several international engagements regarding the Eurozone in order to discuss the matter with her cabinet and with Wulff. This is very unfortunate as is questions Germany's support and strong role in the European debt crisis. In the past, Wulff has been controversial because of remarks about Islam, relationships with the press, and a financial scandal regarding private donors. 

While Wulff's resignation may ultimately be a good choice for Germany, it has cast the country into doubt. Although the President has a much smaller role in government than the Chancellor, the role is still important. Wulff has "lost the trust of the German people" and this will certainly reflect in German affairs throughout the next few months. Hopefully Germany can remain constant and continue assist its fellow nations in the international crisis. 

The leading contender for the next President is a human rights activist named Joachim Gauck.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/feb/17/german-president-christian-wulff-resigns1?newsfeed=true

Current Event 2/11/12

The German human rights commission has just announced its renewed support of gay rights to the international community. Markus Loring, human rights commissioner, is trying to spread this message. The EU composed a catalog of gay rights guidelines in 2010, and this new announcement by the Germans spreads that work further. Germany has exerted international pressure on countries like Uganda, and their strategy is working. Germany also is building a network of international human rights activists. 

This announcement signals another shift in Germany's politics to a more liberal society, especially considering the predominant Christian religions. I think it is a good thing for Germany because it puts the country on the map not only as an industrial and economic power, but as an active member of the modern world and a force for good in oppressed countries. 

http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,15729932,00.html

Current Event 2/4/12

This week, Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany, recieved the highest approval ratings she has gotten in two years. While exciting for Merkel because it means that people like her and what she is doing, this development also is a significant indicator of current German status and attitudes. 
Approval ratings in any country show the will and mood of the people. In Germany, not only are these ratings high, but they are remarkably high, and very different from previous surveys taken. Angela Merkel is a controversial leader who has taken many debatable positions in the EU debt crisis, however Germany's continuously strong economy has led her own voters to acknowledge her as a strong leader. I think this signals a good future for Germany, as a confident and content people makes for a more stable country. This also will bode well for Merkel's support in impeding dealings and issues. Approval ratings for Christian Wulff, German President, were much lower, suggesting a turn toward Merkel's sensible politics rather than the scandalous life of Wulff. 

All in all, this event is a positive thing for Germany and forebodes good things ahead for the republic. 

http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,15715332,00.html