Journalist | Editor | Chairperson | Germany expert / correspondent | in Hilversum & Berlin
On “Goedemorgen Nederland”: German Elections
Ulrike Nagel on *Goedemorgen Nederland*, talking with Welmoed Sijtsma, Frank van Leeuwen, Yoeri Albrecht, and Ruben Brekelmans about the results of the German elections.
00:00 Goedemorgen Nederland 00:29 Ulrike Nagel 02:02 Leonard Ornstein 02:30 Ulrike Nagel 05:23 Yoeri Albrecht 06:31 Ulrike Nagel 08:27 Ruben Brekelmans 08:59 Ulrike Nagel
Ulrike Nagel on “Goedemorgen Nederland,” talking with Welmoed Sijtsma, Frank van Leeuwen, Yoeri Albrecht, and Ruben Brekelmans about the results of the German elections.
Topics discussed in this conversation:
Election Results: The polls were almost exactly right, which is exceptional in Germany compared to the Netherlands. There were few surprises; even the doubling of votes for a small party—Die Linke—was predicted and came to pass.
Voter turnout: Voter turnout was extremely high—the highest since reunification in 1990. This suggests that people feel it is important for things to change and that there is a great need for change.
Ulrike Nagel on “Goedemorgen Nederland” in conversation with Welmoed Sijtsma, Frank van Leeuwen, Yoeri Albrecht, and Ruben Brekelmans about the results of the German elections.
“Shift to the Right”: The front pages of newspapers such as *De Telegraaf* and *De Volkskrant* spoke of a “right-wing wind” or “Germany votes for the right.” The AfD doubled its number of seats.
Reactions to the results: There was surprise at the shock felt by the SPD over their 16% showing, even though they had been polling at 15% for weeks. The AfD’s doubling of its seats was also expected.
Implications for the Netherlands: Ulrike Nagel believes the results do not have much immediate significance for the Netherlands, except that Friedrich Merz wants to tackle the economy and migration. The German economy is of crucial importance to the entire European Union and the Dutch economy.
Ulrike Nagel on “Goedemorgen Nederland,” speaking with Welmoed Sijtsma, Frank van Leeuwen, Yoeri Albrecht, and Ruben Brekelmans about the results of the German elections.
German Economy: Germany is expected to have to spend more money on infrastructure and small and medium-sized enterprises, as the manufacturing sector is declining due to overly conservative policies. Dutch innovation is often complemented by German reliability.
Reaction within Germany to the “shift to the right”: The media is struggling with how to deal with the AfD, which has become a major opposition party. The AfD behaves differently from other parties, which poses a challenge for journalists.
Friedrich Merz: Merz is set to become the new chancellor and is a well-known figure within the CDU/CSU. He has a business background and is charismatic. Merz wants Germany to play a leading role in Europe and to counterbalance American influence.
Stability of the country: The country is quite fragmented, particularly the east, which is “turning blue” (voting for the AfD). Merz faces the difficult task of addressing deindustrialization in the east and winning over voters who are far removed from the centrist parties.
The conversation ended with the hope that Germany will play a leading role in Europe and that Merz will work energetically to form a cabinet quickly.
“What’s happening in the Netherlands? That’s a question answered on Omroep WNL’s fresh morning show: Goedemorgen Nederland. Hosts Welmoed Sijtsma, Frank van Leeuwen, and Lisette Wellens bring you the latest on politics, the economy, the media, crime, and the Royal Family, among other topics.”
