Germany

[therealjr]

The strongest economy in Europe led by the politician seen as the strongest in Europe. Yet she gets 41% of the vote in the general election and can't form a majority government? 41% in the uk would give one party or other a landslide. But obviously PR electoral systems don't lead to strong governments!!!!!!


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[Slacker]

For the last 3 years we have had Clegg, with a small percentage of the votes, tarting himself to whichever party would give him a sniff of power. That sort of thing would happen EVERY time with PR. Imaging a competition where the one who comes third gets the silver medal.

[therealjr]

Which as we are discussing on a different thread prevents extremist policies from whichever end of the political spectrum you follow.
Perhaps lack of extreme policies and the neccesity to score political points over the opposition is what has allowed Germany to follow policies making it the strongest country in Europe.
Just throwing it out there for debate.

(ps if the Labour party hadnt done such a bad job at the 2010 election it could have been Brown or Milliband that Clegg was putting in power. How much bleating about it would we have heard then Slacker?)

[Slacker]

On the other hand is Italy that went through many years of PR triggered government changes and doesn't have a strong economy.  Germany became strong through years of concentrating on manufacturing rather than military

[therealjr]

Any government controlled mostly by 'the families' isn't likely to be that strong now is it


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[Slacker]

Also from talking to a colleague with German relatives there is  a better work ethic over there due to co-operation between management and unions

[therealjr]

And now Mr Ed is trying to distance himself from the unions. What does that say?


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[Pete]

I don't think he is trying to distance himself from the unions as such, but it is obvious from the changes in society that a new basis with the unions is required.