Posted September 23, 201311 yr so she's around and about a lot in the news at the moment (obviously). i don't know whether anyone has seen the andrew marr documentary on iplayer (here but it paints her in a very romanticised light. 'victim' of communism, fighting her way up, the antithesis of tony blair (no spin, frumpy lady etc etc) yet comparing her to thatcher with some eerily similar comparisons idk i find it hard to get a grasp of the ENIGMA of this woman. is she cuthroat right wing or something more casual and appealing in the reverse to what we hate about british politics. i don't know where i stand.
September 23, 201311 yr so she's around and about a lot in the news at the moment (obviously). i don't know whether anyone has seen the andrew marr documentary on iplayer (here but it paints her in a very romanticised light. 'victim' of communism, fighting her way up, the antithesis of tony blair (no spin, frumpy lady etc etc) yet comparing her to thatcher with some eerily similar comparisons idk i find it hard to get a grasp of the ENIGMA of this woman. is she cuthroat right wing or something more casual and appealing in the reverse to what we hate about british politics. i don't know where i stand. I don't think she's really that comparable to Thatcher tbh. Even though she's enforced austerity for the other countries in the Euro, in terms of Germany itself her policies have actually been fairly centrist/left-wing - minimal spending cuts for Germany itself, lots of wage increases, etc. I don't really think she's evil, but she's VERY opportunistic, is willing to abandon any of her principles (to the extent that she had any principles in the first place) if she thinks it would make her more popular, and by the same token too cowardly to do anything that she thinks the German people would dislike. But I would agree that the main reason for her success is that she's seen as the antithesis of the Blair model (Germany's version of Blair being Gerhard Schroeder) - seen as so boring and normal that people atleast trust her as honest and "like them".
September 23, 201311 yr I have a lot more respect for Merkel than I generally have for right-leaning leaders. Paradoxically, by knocking out her coalition partners in her moment of triumph, she now has to try and govern as a minority (albeit only just) or do a deal with one of the left-leaning parties.
September 23, 201311 yr Can't compare Maggie with Merkel Maggie had a massive majority and could do what she wanted whereas Merkel has not had that luxury as she has to govern as part of a coalition so she cant push through the agenda that she would be able to if she had a working majority like Maggie had Similar to the current regime, the Lib Dems have held back the tories in a lot of areas like reforming GCSE's, scrapping the HRA, savage cuts to the welfare state etc So it is difficult to truly judge Merkel as she has not shown her true political colours
September 23, 201311 yr Similar to the current regime, the Lib Dems have held back the tories in a lot of areas like reforming GCSE's, scrapping the HRA, savage cuts to the welfare state etc And thank goodness for that.
September 23, 201311 yr What more could genuinely be cut from the welfare state at this point?! And quite why you'd want to scrap an act that just gives people the right to have cases heard here rather than in Strasbourg on cases regarding the European Convention of Human Rights makes no sense at all.
September 23, 201311 yr What more could genuinely be cut from the welfare state at this point?! And quite why you'd want to scrap an act that just gives people the right to have cases heard here rather than in Strasbourg on cases regarding the European Convention of Human Rights makes no sense at all. Scrap child benefit for everyone earning over 40k combined Abolition of child benefit after 2nd kid, after 1st kid if out of work Time limit JSA to a maximum of 2 years then compulsary workfare till get a job, this will not directly save money but will get more people into jobs thus paying tax Build hostels for single parents instead of giving them private rent properties, 100 or so single parents per hostel with creche facilities and canteen etc, save a fortune on housing benefit, this could be extended to build hostels for single people without kids too instead of giving them fortune in housing benefit Means test winter fuel allowance and free prescriptions Withdraw free bus passes for everyone over 65 who drives a car Scrap all state benefits for immigrants till they have paid into system via NI for at least 3 years Scrap housing benefit for u25's out of work unless proof they are suffering physical or sexual abuse Forced rehab programs for drug addicts and alcoholics, withdrawal of all benefits if fail to complete Thats just a few i would consider Edited September 23, 201311 yr by Sandro Ranieri
September 23, 201311 yr Can't compare Maggie with Merkel Maggie had a massive majority and could do what she wanted whereas Merkel has not had that luxury as she has to govern as part of a coalition so she cant push through the agenda that she would be able to if she had a working majority like Maggie had Similar to the current regime, the Lib Dems have held back the tories in a lot of areas like reforming GCSE's, scrapping the HRA, savage cuts to the welfare state etc So it is difficult to truly judge Merkel as she has not shown her true political colours That's not totally true. After the 2009 election up til now, Merkel was in coalition with a fellow right-wing party (the Free Democrats) so she would've theoretically had the power to pursue more radical policies - in fact, the Free Democrats actually criticised her for not being radical enough on certain economic policies, especially tax cuts for the rich. The reason Merkel didn't want to do it is because she is very cautious, doesn't want to be seen as a polarising figure (by Germans atleast; obviously how she's seen by other members of the Eurozone who don't determine her future is a totally different issue), and fundamentally doesn't have the nerve of Thatcher who (for all her many faults) was willing to take on causes that were initially unpopular and try and persuade the public that she was right. Edited September 23, 201311 yr by Danny
September 23, 201311 yr Scrap child benefit for everyone earning over 40k combined Abolition of child benefit after 2nd kid, after 1st kid if out of work Time limit JSA to a maximum of 2 years then compulsary workfare till get a job, this will not directly save money but will get more people into jobs thus paying tax Build hostels for single parents instead of giving them private rent properties, 100 or so single parents per hostel with creche facilities and canteen etc, save a fortune on housing benefit, this could be extended to build hostels for single people without kids too instead of giving them fortune in housing benefit Means test winter fuel allowance and free prescriptions Withdraw free bus passes for everyone over 65 who drives a car Scrap all state benefits for immigrants till they have paid into system via NI for at least 3 years Scrap housing benefit for u25's out of work unless proof they are suffering physical or sexual abuse Forced rehab programs for drug addicts and alcoholics, withdrawal of all benefits if fail to complete Thats just a few i would consider All excellent ideas for the next Tory manifesto. That should guarantee their deserved annihilation.
September 23, 201311 yr That's not totally true. After the 2009 election up til now, Merkel was in coalition with a fellow right-wing party (the Free Democrats) so she would've theoretically had the power to pursue more radical policies - in fact, the Free Democrats actually criticised her for not being radical enough on certain economic policies, especially tax cuts for the rich. The reason Merkel didn't want to do it is because she is very cautious, doesn't want to be seen as a polarising figure (by Germans atleast; obviously how she's seen by other members of the Eurozone who don't determine her future is a totally different issue), and fundamentally doesn't have the nerve of Thatcher who (for all her many faults) was willing to take on causes that were initially unpopular and try and persuade the public that she was right. Interesting facts there, I assumed she was in coalition with left leaning parties, why is she not in coalition with them again? I heard she is having to negotiate with the left
September 23, 201311 yr All excellent ideas for the next Tory manifesto. That should guarantee their deserved annihilation. Ideas being the operative word, Tyron put me on the spot, I thought of a few out aloud that could reduce the welfare bill I disagree with the annihilation bit, welfare is one of the areas where the public want much tougher action so cuts in the welfare budget would be a vote winner at the election
September 23, 201311 yr Scrap child benefit for everyone earning over 40k combined Abolition of child benefit after 2nd kid, after 1st kid if out of work Time limit JSA to a maximum of 2 years then compulsary workfare till get a job, this will not directly save money but will get more people into jobs thus paying tax Build hostels for single parents instead of giving them private rent properties, 100 or so single parents per hostel with creche facilities and canteen etc, save a fortune on housing benefit, this could be extended to build hostels for single people without kids too instead of giving them fortune in housing benefit Means test winter fuel allowance and free prescriptions Withdraw free bus passes for everyone over 65 who drives a car Scrap all state benefits for immigrants till they have paid into system via NI for at least 3 years Scrap housing benefit for u25's out of work unless proof they are suffering physical or sexual abuse Forced rehab programs for drug addicts and alcoholics, withdrawal of all benefits if fail to complete Thats just a few i would consider Free prescriptions are already means tested. Child benefit is already scrapped for those earning over 40k. ...what is the exact point of scrapping housing benefit for under 25s? I thought encouraging independence from the family would be something you'd be in favour of. You do also realise that a few of these would cost more than they would save? Means testing the winter fuel allowance is incredibly popular as a suggestion every few years until each party does the sums and realises it loses money overall. And as for the hostel suggestion for single parents, I can't think of many policies more utterly dehumanising.
September 23, 201311 yr Interesting facts there, I assumed she was in coalition with left leaning parties, why is she not in coalition with them again? I heard she is having to negotiate with the left Because the Free Democrats have lost all their seats in parliament. As Suedehead said, that's one of the paradoxes of Merkel's huge success - she vacuumed up virtually all of the right-wing votes that she's left with no allies in parliament. In fact, apart from Merkel's party, all the MPs in parliament are now from left-wing parties (Social Democrats, Greens, Left Party). Theoretically, there's actually the votes for a left-wing government to pool together their MPs and form a government, but this almost certainly won't happen because (a) it's obvious Germans want Merkel to be chancellor so it would look like a "coup" if that didn't happen, and (b ) one of those left-wing parties, the Left Party, is descended from the East German Communists and it would be suicide for the mainstream left-wing parties to ally with them. Edited September 23, 201311 yr by Danny
September 23, 201311 yr Free prescriptions are already means tested. Child benefit is already scrapped for those earning over 40k. ...what is the exact point of scrapping housing benefit for under 25s? I thought encouraging independence from the family would be something you'd be in favour of. You do also realise that a few of these would cost more than they would save? Means testing the winter fuel allowance is incredibly popular as a suggestion every few years until each party does the sums and realises it loses money overall. And as for the hostel suggestion for single parents, I can't think of many policies more utterly dehumanising. I think quite the opposite in terms of the single parents, what is dehumanising is being stuck at home with little or no social interaction or having to turn down jobs because no one to look after the kids 1) they would be with like minded people so would make lots of friends and have social interaction with the other residents 2) there would be inbuilt creche and childcare facilities so that the single parents could go and work without worrying about childcare costs 3) there would be a communal social/catering area which would mean again social interaction, kids having lots of playmates etc
September 23, 201311 yr Since when were all single parents stuck at home or unemployed? It's half a step above bringing back the workhouse in terms of policy ideas.
September 23, 201311 yr Because the Free Democrats have lost all their seats in parliament. As Suedehead said, that's one of the paradoxes of Merkel's huge success - she vacuumed up virtually all of the right-wing votes that she's left with no allies in parliament. In fact, apart from Merkel's party, all the MPs in parliament are now from left-wing parties (Social Democrats, Greens, Left Party). Theoretically, there's actually the votes for a left-wing government to pool together their MPs and form a government, but this almost certainly won't happen because (a) it's obvious Germans want Merkel to be chancellor so it would look like a "coup" if that didn't happen, and (b ) one of those left-wing parties, the Left Party, is descended from the East German Communists and it would be suicide for the mainstream left-wing parties to ally with them. Wow interesting the right lost all their seats bar Merkel party, shows the affection they have for her in Germany I can see a similar thing happening almost in UK too, can see the Lib Dems being near enough wiped out at next election, winning a handful of seats with Labour gaining many Lib Dem seats, although of course in that situation Cameron would have to form a minority government
September 23, 201311 yr Thanks for the link Jake, that was such a fascinating hour's insight into Merkel. Little gutted it wasn't longer. Scrap child benefit for everyone earning over 40k combined Abolition of child benefit after 2nd kid, after 1st kid if out of work Time limit JSA to a maximum of 2 years then compulsary workfare till get a job, this will not directly save money but will get more people into jobs thus paying tax Build hostels for single parents instead of giving them private rent properties, 100 or so single parents per hostel with creche facilities and canteen etc, save a fortune on housing benefit, this could be extended to build hostels for single people without kids too instead of giving them fortune in housing benefit Means test winter fuel allowance and free prescriptions Withdraw free bus passes for everyone over 65 who drives a car Scrap all state benefits for immigrants till they have paid into system via NI for at least 3 years Scrap housing benefit for u25's out of work unless proof they are suffering physical or sexual abuse Forced rehab programs for drug addicts and alcoholics, withdrawal of all benefits if fail to complete Thats just a few i would consider Ok, so policy by policy: - In principle, yes but the limit should be higher than £40k and more towards £60-70k with a higher limit for areas of the country where the cost of living is higher. - Not workable. It'd push people into crime, payday loan companies and end up hurting the children the most who will grow up far below the poverty line. - Don't agree with time limits on JSA where the person is genuinely trying to find employment but I agree with the loosely connected principle of help to get people into the workplace through paid placements, training and education - It's hard enough being a single parent, they shouldn't have to live in prison-esque accommodation. Horrific idea. Far better to give them a nice wee affordable flat and support with childcare so they can work and provide for their child(ren) - More hassle than it's worth for the former and the later goes against the principles of a universal healthcare system. - HELL NO. Free bus passes to all over 65 and compulsory retesting every 5 years to ensure they are still fit to drive. (Get them off my country roads and onto buses) - For general skilled migration I'd push it to 5 (Which is what the Aussies have) and restrict access to the NHS to 12months of NI. For Asylum seekers, hell no. - Unless you have a dependent you are not entitled to housing benefit if you are under 25. Trust me. - No. Unless these people actually want to get clean and have that motivation/will power this would be a colossal waste of money. Forcing someone to do something they are not willing to do would be against the Human Rights Act and stopping their benefits would increase crime as they steal to feed their habit. Interesting facts there, I assumed she was in coalition with left leaning parties, why is she not in coalition with them again? I heard she is having to negotiate with the left They no longer have any seats in the German Parliament. She was previously in coalition with centre-left SDP who ruled before Merkel beat them by a single seat back in 2005 (Think, it's defo SD something) and it looks like she'll partner with them again this time. I think Merkel is a brilliant politician. She takes the time to find what's right for her country and that's admirable in a day and age where more and more politicians are being lambasted for not acting in the interests of the country and their constituents. I think her willingness to go against her personal beliefs because that is the will of the German People and because it's the right thing to do for Germany is fantastic.
September 23, 201311 yr Since when were all single parents stuck at home or unemployed? It's half a step above bringing back the workhouse in terms of policy ideas. Again I can only give 1 isolated example, not out and out national statistics, but I text a single parent, 19 years old with a 18 month daughter, she texts so much as she is too skint to do much and her days are spent watching kids videos, listening to You Tube etc and it drives her mad, she would rather have a job I am sure she would love the sort of environment I listed above
September 23, 201311 yr Again I can only give 1 isolated example, not out and out national statistics, but I text a single parent, 19 years old with a 18 month daughter, she texts so much as she is too skint to do much and her days are spent watching kids videos, listening to You Tube etc and it drives her mad, she would rather have a job I am sure she would love the sort of environment I listed above State subsidised childcare, like the Danish system would actually be a far better solution. The child gets well looked after by professionals and a start on their learning and the parent is free to enter the job market again without worrying about the costs of childcare and if they would even be better off working.
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