In the aftermath of the German election, the place to go is Pinneberg – or, as some people call it, “oracle”.
For almost 70 years Pinneberger voted for the party that became the chancellery: from Konrad Adenauer through Gerhard Schröder and, in the last four elections, the Christian Democrats of Angela Merkel. Even in 1969, when the CDU won a popular vote but Pinneberg voted for the Social Democrat, a small northern constituency was unwise: he was the SPD leader Willy Brandt who became chancellor.
But a few days before the next general election in Germany – after which Merkel will join politics – Pinneberg’s crystal ball and clouds. His absence will leave German politics and has spawned an unexpected campaign. Pinneberger has no idea where they, or the world, are going.
“Big parties are very close [in the polls]. It could be that even the accuser is wrong, “said Michael von Abercron, 68, a member of the local CDU Bundestag.” You feel insecure.
Three parties have won elections in recent weeks. Recently, Olaf Scholz led the SPD to the top, but recent statistics show that the CDU is moving ahead. The unequal selection – six parties could join the Bundestag – means Germany can go to their first alliance.
Many of the Pinnebergers interviewed expect the competition between the SPD and the CDU to end. But many were skeptical of their vote in the election that would make Germany’s election after Merkel.
A 34-year-old voter, who asked not to be named, tried “Wahl-O-Mat”, a page to help voters play with the party, which said they voted Green. Still, he feels sorry for himself.
“Honestly, I don’t find any of the candidates eligible,” he said. “I have no choice – however, I will go to the polls on Sunday, no matter what.”
The Germans remained unselected For a longer period of time than these elections, a survey conducted in Allensbach last week showed that 40% were uncertain. Peter Matuschek, senior political analyst at Forsa, said the numbers had dropped this week to 25%.
Matuschek believes that many of the CDU’s supporters are not interested in the candidate, Armin Laschet. “This vote for the CDU is where we have the opportunity to change,” he said.
In the main Pinneberg constituency, Irmtraud Jurrat, 82, said older voters like him were “doing our part” to make the CDU a fifth party. He defended Laschet, who was ridiculed for his non-campaign activities.
“Laschet was a university lecturer and prime minister of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia – I mean, he can’t be stupid,” he added.
But like the older Pinneberger interviewed, they believe the SPD will take the lead – if it doesn’t match the research.
“Maybe if I were younger and struggling with inflation in Berlin or whatever, I would vote for Green,” he said. “But we are older, we have a house and a garden. This is a good life. ”
Showing all the German nationalities, the Pinneberger young people who want a change are planning to vote for the Green or Democrats of the Free pro-business.
“I want something to think about for the future. . . My most important issues are climate change and digital transformation, “said 23-year-old Anna, who declined to give her last name and was skeptical between the Greens and the left-hander of Die Linke.
But young Germans make up only 14% of the elect, making Pinneberg’s seniors a reliable barometer.
Ursula Götze, 76, was tempted to share her two votes in a series of two German parties to go to the Greens and SPD. “Of course I’m old, but it’s because of the young,” he said.
Götze changed his mind when Annalena Baerbock was elected Greens’ most experienced leader, Robert Habeck. Cases that Baerbock wrote parts of his book and embellished his CV angered him.
When asked about Scholz’s SPD, Germany’s finance minister, who is responsible for a number of German economic developments, he criticized. Everyone makes mistakes. ”
Pinneberger claims that their area is bellwether due to population density and representation of small towns and rural areas. Researchers, however, say that success is not simply a matter of increasing numbers.
“It’s funny, but I think it’s just a joke,” said Christian Martin, a political scientist at the University of Kiel. “In the long run, some sections of the election will go smoothly – until the list is over.”
However, locals are defending their position and Ralf Stegner, who wants to join the SPD this year, is confident that Pinneberg’s reputation will stand – and that he and his party will be back. “These words have been for 60 years,” he said. “This can’t happen by accident.”