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I don't think Merkel will survive throughout this electoral term and expect the next elections early.
Maybe this year again, forming a coalition of 4 partys is quite a task but the SPD is definitely going in opposition and the only other option for Merkel is "Jamaika".
I can't see CDU/CSU, FDP and die Grünen working together nicely, the CSU is already questioning their partnership with the CDU... -
It's funny how with protest votes nobody seems to think "oh the Greens are an anti austerity party" no let's go with the Afd...
My cynical side says it's because the Greens are unwilling to victimize minorities / don't offer good old traditional values like gays are unnatural/women should be behind the sink, but perhaps I missed something? :)
The high vote for the AfD is one of the deplorable long-term results of Kohl's evil policies to punish East Germany in the so-called 'reunification'. They led to widespread and avoidable social devastation, which has caused a rise in extreme right-wing activity.
The AfD has split the right-wing vote, as expected, and (in a similar way to UKIP over here, I suspect) brought previously non-voting right-wing voters out to vote again. Schulz has failed to energise Germany's political left but it would be good for the SPD to spend some time in opposition, if that is what happens. I don't think Merkel will survive throughout this electoral term and expect the next elections early.