Reply #85: Exactly. Well said. [View All]

[elaineb]

I read this too. So it seems to have more to do with Die Linke not wanting to form a coalition with the SPD, not vice versa.

And that shouldn't be surprising, I guess. What would be the point of the traditional left breaking off from the SPD if they were then willing to go into coalition with them shortly after? There wouldn't have been any point in forming a new party; they could have caused a ruckus from within the SPD if they thought it would do the trick. The problem as I understand it is the SPD was no longer taking the concerns of the true left seriously regarding economic reforms (Sorry if my bias is showing!).

I really am grateful for all of our German DUers who take the time to enlighten Americans on the current state of German politics. Thanks for your opinions and wisdom! This has been an interesting day so far, and I suspect things will only get more interesting in coming days.