Was the EU Crisis the elephant in the Room? Revisiting Angela Merkel’s victory in the German elections

While debates about the possibilities and conditions necessary to form a new German government are still ongoing amongst the different political parties, the general election result appears indisputable. Chancellor Angela Merkel was confirmed as Germany’s unchallenged conservative leader – her unaltered popularity seems to belie all political criticism. The public perception of Merkel’s EU crisis management likely explains this support. Engaging in a political strategy which satisfied both conservative and centre-left voters, I argue that Merkel managed to establish a reputation as reliable crisis-manager which underpinned her election success.