[War_ooc] Germany 2014

[Patrick B]

Leader: Klaus Menzel
Country: Germany
Ruling Party/Coalition: Christian Democratic Union

Political Landscape: The Economic downturn of 2008 really hit the
Christian Democratic Party hard, there was a mishmash of governments and
chaos, though Germany did their best to survive and the German miracle
continued, however there was an increase in more conservative elements
including some fascist parties that tried to disguise their true intentions.

Several pro German parties rose up, and parties were becoming more
conservative as time went
on. In the 2009 elections two far right parties the National Workers
Party and the National Social liberation front both received the
necessary 5% for representation.

With new leadership the Christian Democratic union began to look for a
more conservative front, wanting to bring back the pride of Germany and
being German.  As it was put "mindful of our past we must rebuild.  We
will not repeat the mistakes of our forefathers, but build a new strong
Germany who will be a leader and ally in world affairs as she should be."

The 2012 elections were chaotic to say the least, there were several
third parties running and a few that it was surprising got on the ballot
in the first place. In the end of the chaos there was a working majority
in the Bundstag and the Bundesrat. Of course the collapse of the
National social liberation front and the National Workers party was
middle page news for a few weeks.

What had happened was the NSLF and NWP ended up being fraught with two
things, a power struggle and the fact that 1/2 the leadership was made
up of undercover police and agents from the Defense of the Constitution
bureau. In the gap the Christian Democratic Union began to pull out all
the stops with a "we are all Germans" tour which included some tactics
straight out of the US election cycle, meetings with leaders, meeting
the people, and fiery speeches calling on Germany to be strong, work
together and not give in to the baser emotions.

The next two years were at best organized chaos, at worst fights and
interparty struggle, the troubles of the East have become one of the
greatest challenges, A building effort the  likes of which haven't been
seen since the bad old days resulted in Schools and jobs centers to crop
up, as social services began to be targeted at those who felt left out.


Foreign Relations Germany's relations with the United States are still
strong as ever, with a strong tie continuing to form.  Relations with
Europe continue to be strong including membership in the European Union,
There is still discomfort with the immigration issue but
so far most parties have kept open relations and working together.  The
Crisis of 2013-2014 which included the Korea situation, China, and
Canada's invasion of  China resulted in Germany taking a stance of we
are not getting involved, there was some concern over sending armed
forces in to a situation we have no part in

The German Military still relies on conscripts, who can cause a lack of
discipline, however there is still discipline.  The increased
international presence shows the German Army is reaching outside it's
post defensive role. There were a total of 50 casualties from the
Iranian conflict.

There has been a return to new awards, including the pour le merite and
the iron cross, along with orders of military merit, and various
decorations.

Economy: Germany's economy brings much from the high tech sector with
automotive such as BMW, Mercedes and Porsche still leading as luxury
vehicles.  The Eastern part of Germany still languishes with secondhand
status, which shows in higher unemployment, and fewer opportunities.
This has made Eastern Germany to be a fertile breeding ground for
extreme right wing beliefs and racism.  Several call centers have been
erected, but are having trouble finding representatives.

Social Issues: AN influx of immigration has resulted in anti immigrant
sentiments including an uptick in neo nazi activities.  There have been
several burnings of Hostels, to discourage foreigners from coming to
Germany, the east continues to have a problem with Alcohol and drugs
along with crime.

The religious aspects of Germany are still the neighborhood churches,
who reach out when necessary to help the poor and downtrodden, however
older faiths have come out and there have been reports of violence aimed
at Islamic ministers which has resulted in increased police presence.

There were several plots against churches or other religious groups
several of which were linked to Skinhead groups.  Police have made
several arrests and trials are ongoing.