Political Issues in Western Europe
Terrorism
Western Europe has been vulnerable to terrorism this year, especially considering the brunt of attacks in Western Europe. The carnage in Paris claimed the lives of 129 people. In June, a man was beheaded at a chemical plant near Lyon in the summer. Two months later, a Kalashnikov attack on a TGV train was foiled after the perpetrator was overpowered by passengers. Questions now turn to what the government can do to reduce the risk of such attacks. The government doesn’t know exactly how to handle this situation. As a result, the government could potentially lose officials because many citizens are using their voice to find a change in the system.
Germany Refugees
German chancellor, Angela Merkel has agreed to welcome 1 million refugees into Germany. While people were proud to let so many refugees in the country to help provide them a better life, many people are now shadowed by doubts and also anger. The immediate problem for Merkel is that more than 1 million refugees are expected to enter Germany, whose population is already 80 million and growing. Even Merkel’s supporters doubt the country’s ability to fit more people due to the space. The citizens do not believe that Germany is prepared for this type of commitment and as a result, they are demanding that the government find a new official to go up against her policy.
Austria's Presidential Election
Austria had recently rejected Norbet Hofer, their first far-right candidate, in the presidential election. Instead, they are choosing to elect a former leader of the Green Party, Alexander Van der Bellen. They chose to elect Alexander Van der Bellen as president because they believe he would be an open-minded, liberal-minded and above all a pro-European president. This election was a closed race. After the recount in May because many believed that the ballots were calculated wrong, Van de Bellen had captures 53.5 percent of the vote while Hofer captures 46.7 percent. It is believe by most that the results are this way because of the “Trump effect” and Britain’s decision to leave the EU.