Greens' success in Germany could see country move in a new direction 

What the Greens want most for Germany is a modern economy with a new pro-European strategy for German growth and less dependence on Russia and China

Unlike Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) – both of which have exhibited a pro-Russian bias ever since Gerhard Schröder’s chancellorship (1998-2005) – the Greens favour tougher policies toward both Russia and China. Picture: APMichael Probst

The Greens’ strong performance in Germany’s federal election – though not as strong as the party hoped just a few short weeks ago – offers hope that the country will now finally start moving in a more promising direction. 

That may mean moving away from outgoing chancellor Angela Merkel’s authoritarian-friendly positions, not least her support for the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline between Germany and Russia, and her championing of an EU investment agreement with China (which has since been blocked by the European Parliament).