Germany gets a "Grand Coalition"

I really don't know what to make of this.

I imagine that if I'm going to make a case for centrism, I should be pleased to see the Germans come together in a blended government incorporating leaders from both parties. It represent the triumph of compromise, that's for sure. Now we get to find out if it is a triumph of compromise in the best sense of that word or in the worst sense.

If Angela Merkel, soon to be the new chancellor, can forge a genuine bi-partisan government, and get it to operate with any effectiveness at all, she will have accomplished something remarkable. The policies of this new coalition are not going to please either party's core followers, but it ought to please an electorate that split the vote as cleanly as the American electorate likes to do.

The obvious risk is that this grand coalition will be an example for future students of "dysfunctional government." Before it can even be put to the test, the idea must be sold to the disappointed and suspicious members of both parties. This is not a marriage forged on love, it is a marriage of convenience, or perhaps "desperation" is a better word. Not a solid foundation for a happy relationship, I fear.

Still, its a better result that the American solution, which is to devolve into desperate partisan battles, investigations, lies and misleading reports in the press, and a final round in the courts. Bravo to the Germans for at least trying to get along.

Technorati Tags: Germany, Angela Merkel