5 Reasons Germany’s Influence Is Fading

German Chancellor Angela Merkel currently lacks powerful
partners to strike workable compromises on migration

POLITICO: Voters abandon the center, alliances turn regional — and Merkel stands alone.

Germany’s sway over Europe is fading, for all its economic might and the honors heaped on Angela Merkel, and the evidence of its declining influence can be seen in the changing fortunes of the European People’s Party (EPP).

Usually, Christian Democrat leaders grouped in the EPP gather in Brussels a few hours before EU summits to make decisions they will foist on other European governments. At the last summit, however, they didn’t pre-cook the summit’s conclusions because the center right — and Germany itself — is losing influence.

Here are five reasons why: » | Florian Eder | Friday, January 15, 2016