Over Here, Over There: International Politics & Culture Podcast

This German Election Will Indicate Europe's Direction

Dan Harris and Claudia Koestler; Copyright: © 2026 Over Here, Over There. All rights reserved. Website: https://www.overhereoverthere.org Season 4 Episode 5

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'Over Here, Over There' podcast co-host Claudia Koestler gives a quick heads up regarding the German local elections and why they will indicate the direction of politics not only in Germany but across Europe. More to follow, so stay tuned. Please don't forget to like, share, subscribe, and comment. Thank you!

Hi, it's Claudia from Over Here, Over There. Quick check in because we know it's been quiet. As journalists, the German federal elections have basically consumed our lives lately. I know that might sound far away to you, but stick with me.

Germany is the largest economy in Europe, and Bavaria is its driving motor, recently called the next Silicon Valley by prominent voices.

What's being decided here on energy, defense, Ukraine, migration, the rise of the far right are everyone's questions. And the outcome will give you a good indication of where Europe is headed -  and therefore also what lies ahead for your country.

The deciding question is: are people, however fed up, still comfortable enough to be daring and take a swing at something extreme? Or has the inflation, the cost of living, the wars, the feeling that we might be on the brink of something pushed them back towards a safer bet, even if they don't love it?

We'll know the results soon and we'll be back to break it all down. Bye.