Is this really the beginning of the end for Merkel? Why the CDU is still well placed to win in 2017

The result of the election in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania on 4 September 2016, where Angela Merkel’s CDU only managed third place, has been interpreted by some observers as a sign that the German Chancellor could be in danger of losing power in next year’s federal election. Ed Turner writes that there is a serious risk of over-interpretation as far as the result is concerned, with Merkel still in line to retain her position as Chancellor in 2017.

ESO: Background information: State election, 4 September 2016 - Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany: AfD beats Merkel party in regional elections / Politicians blame Merkel's refugee policy for defeat in regional elections http://www.europeansources.info/record/state-election-4-september-2016-mecklenburg-vorpommern-germany-afd-beats-merkel-party-in-regional-elections-politicians-blame-merkels-refugee-policy-for-defeat-in-regional-elections/

ESO: Background information: The AfD’s second place in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania illustrates the challenge facing Merkel in 2017 http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-afds-second-place-in-mecklenburg-west-pomerania-illustrates-the-challenge-facing-merkel-in-2017/

Spiegel Online International, 09.09.16: Clinging to power. Is The Merkel Era Coming To an End? http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/refugee-policy-sees-waning-of-power-for-merkel-a-1111668.html

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