What is the State of the Center-Left after the Federal Elections in Germany?

While the world is in turmoil, Germany is experiencing a very inward-looking election campaign. Trump, China, climate and AI play a subordinate role, with demands for tougher restrictions on irregular migration and a technocratic debate about cautious economic policy reforms taking centre stage. And as progressives in Germany are increasingly finding themselves in the role of defenders of the status quo, the hope for change seems to be associated with the conservatives and the far right. 

Whatever the outcome of the federal election on February 23, progressives must engage in an honest analysis of the current state of the center-left. What are the main reasons for their performance? What strategic lessons can Social Democrats and Greens draw from the election? And what does the election result mean for the ability of the political centre to form a functioning coalition? We will discuss these and other questions under Chatham House Rules with: 

• Jana Faus, Pollster and Executive Director at pollytix
• Johannes Hillje, Strategic Advisor to Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck and Policy Fellow at Das Progressive Zentrum
• Max Neufeind, Advisor to Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Policy Fellow at Das Progressive Zentrum

The debate will be moderated by Maria Skóra, Policy Fellow at Das Progressive Zentrum. Johan Hassel, Director of Global Progress Action, will open the event with introductory remarks.

Participation is by personal invitation only. Times are CET/Berlin. The event is a cooperation between the Center for American Progress Action and Das Progressive Zentrum. 

Contact

Paul Jürgensen

Senior Grundsatzreferent