Chaos in Germany shows UK should never make this huge change - avoid it at all costs

OPINION

Friedrich Merz has come out on top in the German election, and now his party will form the country’s next government. This is how simple it should be.

But a proportional representation (PR) electoral system, whereby the distribution of seats corresponds with the proportion of the total votes cast for each party, means the stage is set for hardcore political wrangling as politicians work out what the new administation will look like.

This is despite the centre-right CDU/CSU alliance clearly winning the national tussle.

Merz has confirmed that, rather confusingly, he will seek to form a coalition with the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SDP), the party that voters have just quite conclusively rejected.

Whatever happens, the far-right AfD looks to be shut out.

Even once agreed, the new German government could collapse, forcing voters to head to the polls once again.

Before the election, Olaf Scholz’s three-party coalition was plunged into chaos after the Chancellor fired his more conservative Finance Minister, Christian Lindner of the Free Democratic Party (FDP), because of a split over spending and economic reforms.

The UK’s first past the post (FPTP) system sees winning candidates in constituencies across the country elected as MPs, with the party ideally commanding a majority in the House of Commons.

It’s usually evident very soon into election nights what the government will look like in the morning. With a majority, the Prime Minister can then begin working on delivering manifesto promises, whether you agree with them or not. That’s democracy.

Without a major crisis forcing out the largest party’s leader, the calling of another general election, or a depletion in MPs causing a loss of a majority, the government ploughs on for five years.

Occasionally, there are very long periods with a single Prime Minister or party in power. Again, whether you agree or not with their philosophy, this means it can be enacted upon, and policies can be developed and take effect.

Most recently, the Tories were in government for 14 years. Before that, Labour held Downing Street for 13. Between 1979 and 1997, the Conservatives ruled the roost.

The country was a very different place at the end of these reigns compared to what it was like when they commenced.

Margaret Thatcher transformed the economy, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown changed the way many aspects of the state operated and the last Tory governments rolled out dramatic education reforms.

Before the chaotic Brexit years, the UK was known for its relative stability. This obviously helps as regards attracting investment.

Some in Britain want to see PR here, arguing that it is more democratic and a FPTP system means many are disenfranchised.

But Sir Keir Starmer’s huge majority, not to mention the many nationwide problems that should be prioritised, means this will most likely not be tabled any time soon.

That being said, Reform UK’s surge could ensure the country’s election outcomes are more uncertain than ever.

Today, the latest YouGov/Times voting intention survey put Nigel Farage’s party on 25% of the vote. Labour and the Conservatives are now on 24% and 22% respectively.

If this carries on, we could see a three-way battle for No.10, a very confusing time after polling day and maybe even a coalition without even switching to PR.