The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Merkel's party, led through most of the campaign period and had a 15-point edge at 1 point. Under Trump and Duterte, we've had tax cuts for the rich, not wage hikes for the workers. If he succeeds, the governing themes and the animating ideas of liberal democracies will probably serve as lasting counterfoil to the siren calls of strongmen that thrive off political strife and division and unfettered markets. The future is unpredictable and a rebound for the strongmen, a second act, is still a big possibility. The strongmen, if the polling is accurate, may not just see their signature governing styles and central government themes vanish.

Source: Manila Times October 05, 2021 15:43 UTC