Election reinforces political disillusionment

The election of the federal president is just a matter of political calculation, the daily Der Standard writes, much to the annoyance of citizens. "In Germany as in Austria the gulf between politicians and the people has grown ever wider. More and more people are turning away from politics. It is widely believed that politicians spend all their energy fighting with one another, do not tell the truth and only have their eye on the next election. That applies to both countries. ... The ruling coalition of CDU/CSU and FDP in Berlin are wearing each other down. Nevertheless, they have managed to put together an austerity package, albeit no fundamental reforms. Because a victory for the red-green candidate Gauck would probably mark the end of Angela Merkel as chancellor, party discipline will prevail. The election in the Berlin Reichstag isn't even primarily about choosing a president. This will only strengthen people's disillusionment with politics - the feeling that those at the top will arrange things for themselves anyway."

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