Germany

Abstract

The German Greens entered the federal government as junior partners of the Social Democrats in 1998. The birth and development of this coalition are analysed, concentrating on its first two years. What have been the main achievements of the Greens? Where and why have the Greens been disappointed? What is the likely impact of their experience in government on the future of the party? In the analysis particular emphasis is placed on the relative weakness of the Greens before entering government and on external factors that made it very difficult for the Greens to succeed with their three top priority projects: phasing out nuclear energy, reforming nationality law, and the introduction of ecological taxation. Green electoral support has been fairly steady throughout their period of government after dropping sharply in 1998. The Greens will need to fight hard to mobilise their core electorate but may also benefit from the support of Social Democrats wishing to retain the 'red-green' government coalition beyond 2002.