Talking Democracy And Defense With The German Ambassador

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, of the Christian Democratic party, and her challenger Martin Schulz of the Social Democratic party attend the only TV debate three weeks before the German parliament elections in a TV studio in Berlin Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, of the Christian Democratic party, and her challenger Martin Schulz of the Social Democratic party attend the only TV debate three weeks before the German parliament elections in a TV studio in Berlin Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017. RTL via AP
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, of the Christian Democratic party, and her challenger Martin Schulz of the Social Democratic party attend the only TV debate three weeks before the German parliament elections in a TV studio in Berlin Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, of the Christian Democratic party, and her challenger Martin Schulz of the Social Democratic party attend the only TV debate three weeks before the German parliament elections in a TV studio in Berlin Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017. RTL via AP

Talking Democracy And Defense With The German Ambassador

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Germans are heading the polls this weekend, and if the preliminary surveys are correct, Angela Merkel will become Chancellor of Germany for the fourth time. But many also point to the expected third place-winners, the Alliance for Germany, with apprehension. It’s a far-right party that’s grown popular in Merkel’s home territory and sparking concerns in light of the country’s nationalist and populist past. But the economy in Germany has been doing well, and many expect that will be enough to maintain the status quo. In light of recent NATO fears in Eastern Europe, Germany recently increased its defense spending budget, making it one of the biggest militaries in Europe. To discuss the elections and Germany’s military, we’re joined by German Ambassador to the United States, Peter Wittig.