Connection to the German corridors of power
After SAP’s former chief met the chancellor in 2004, the software industry was able to use lobbying to secure its place at the heart of the country’s industrial policy
German elections 2009
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German voters have given Angela Merkel a second term as chancellor and a mandate to form a new government with the business-friendly Free Democrats.
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Merkel holds coalition talks on tax reform
Germany’s centre-right government meets to defuse an internal dispute over its tax reform plans, only three weeks after the new partners agreed their four-year policy road map
German industry warns on tax cuts
The main industry lobby group has sounded the alarm over the tax cutting plans of chancellor Angela Merkel’s new government, warning that priority should be given to bringing spiralling deficit back under control
Analysis: Merkel’s bold gamble
Germany: In going for economic growth rather than a reduced deficit, the chancellor is staking her second term on the success of policies she long rejected and still admits may not work
Merkel criticised as new term begins
Angela Merkel’s second term as German chancellor began under a cloud as several MPs from her coalition rejected her appointment. Her economic policy and decision not to address parliament this week were also criticised
Tax cuts to shape German cabinet
The tense negotiations to form Germany’s next government entered their final stretch on Friday, as Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union floated new income tax cut proposals to break the deadlock in talks with the liberal Free Democrats
Germany to focus on business tax cuts
The new centre-right government is charting an aggressive pro-business course to focus on lowering tax and bureaucratic hurdles on companies, to the detriment of the large income tax cuts Chancellor Angela Merkel and her new allies promised before last month’s election
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Quentin Peel
The FT’s international affairs editor outlines what to expect from the new coalition, and considers possible changes in the government’s outlook, both domestically and on the international stage.
Comment & Analysis
Narrow win rules out radical policy shift
The narrow margin of overall victory suggests that a radical shift in policies from those of the outgoing grand coalition between CDU and the Social Democratic party is unlikely, writes Quentin Peel
Germany’s new government
Good for business – but don’t expect fireworks
Victorious Merkel should be bold
Angela Merkel and her partners also need to demonstrate to voters that it makes a real difference who is elected to office. Mere competence is not enough
European View: Centrism could still hold sway in Germany
Matters may not be clear cut for utilities
Merkel deserves a decent majority
Another grand coalition would harm German democracy
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