Left opposition wins over austerity disappointment with Merkel

myp said:

The left opposition won in a crushing defeat for conservatives in North Rhine-Westphalia, a large German state. The election leaves Merkel in a weakened position despite continued popularity for continuing German economic strength.

It will be interesting when it comes to her reelection. That election will have a big effect on what could happen with the EU.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/13/us-germany-election-nrw-idUSBRE84C0BD20120513

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DodgeFB said:

This had to happen. Austerity seems harsh when the opposition says you don't need it. Sure people want more for less. Chicken in every pot and money in every pocket sounds much better than we need to pay our bills. Then money being spent on other EU countries, I would be mad too. I am not happy with 80% or so of our foreign aid around the world.

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David said:

Aid is irreverent. imagine a poor person buying a $1 bag of M&Ms every week, they're no better or worse off regardless. Most of our money in in the military, education and welfare. If you cut everything but those 3 things we'd still be in debt. If you cut part (a large part) of those 3 things you could actually increase spending in other areas and still be in the black.

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myp said:

I think you are misunderstanding what is happening here. Merkel has been for strong austerity measures, not the opposite. There is an argument that austerity is not always good- it might be partially evidenced by the fact that the PIIGS nations are not doing much better with it.

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