But it remains exciting what coalition possibilities will now emerge,” said Oliver Pawloski, 39, a member of the SPD. “After 16 years, social democracy could be the strongest force in Germany again, and that is a reason to celebrate,” said Sebastian Niestroj, 26. But when the exit polls came through, there was a stunned silence followed by a few bursts of clapping. READ ALSO: Polls show election still too close to callThe party has dominated politics in Germany for much of the past 70 years and has never scored under 30 percent in a general election, but had struggled to rebrand itself after 16 years of Merkel as chancellor. “Laschet couldn’t make up for her,” he said, though he did also say he thought Laschet was “the best candidate”.

Source: The Local September 26, 2021 18:56 UTC