Germany reacts as U.S. elections still too tight to call.

Record ID: 79499

  • Title: Germany reacts as U.S. elections still too tight to call.
  • Date: 9th November 2016
  • Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (English) JOSEPH BRAML, DGAP (German council for foreign relations) THINK-TANK EXPERT, SAYING: "Even if we assume a Republican or a so-called Republican in the White House and a Republican controlled House of Representatives and Senate, there is no party rule, so people won't follow him. They can still block him. One senator is enough, that could be a Democrat or even a crazy Republican - and I have a few in mind - who could block the next president. No matter what his party affiliation is. In most issues. The one issue area of concern is security, when there is danger the president is really very mighty and that would be really very worrisome if Trump will be the next president."
  • Embargoed: 24th November 2016 06:54
  • Keywords: U.S. election Trump Clinton vote counting Germany
  • Location: BERLIN & COLOGNE, GERMANY
  • City: BERLIN & COLOGNE, GERMANY
  • Country: Germany
  • Topics: Government/Politics,Elections/Voting
  • Reuters ID: LVA00557Q3DC7
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text:The U.S. presidential campaign neared its end on Wednesday (November 9) as the tight race went on well into the morning in Europe, causing shock and worry.
    Germans woke up to the surprise news that the 'Blue Wall' in Pennsylvania had fallen after earlier polls favouring Hillary Clinton in various states proved to be false.
    "Until now it was somehow unimaginable that it could be him, at least that's what I thought. But somehow it seems to be so. I am worried," Andreas Wolfram said from Cologne.
    "This is very hard to swallow. The man is unpredictable... My dear Lord! we have interesting times ahead!" Udo Clever added.
    While experts have not ruled out an appeal from the losing party, Republican Donald Trump edged closer to winning the White House with a series of shocking wins in key states such as Florida and Ohio, rattling world markets that had expected Democrat Hillary Clinton to defeat the political outsider in Tuesday's U.S. election.
    "In terms of trade, there will be changes but that is not only up to the inhabitant of the White House but also to Congress. And there is a sour mood in Congress, there is a protectionist mood in Congress, and that is not good for a country that is supposed to uphold the liberal world order. Don't expect too much free trade coming from America. It could be the opposite: Protectionism!" DGAP expert Joseph Braml told Reuters.
    While the U.S. system allows for a sturdy wall of checks and balances security in a crisis remains in the hands of the president, a worrying fact for Braml.
    "Even if we assume a Republican or a so-called Republican in the White House and a Republican controlled House of Representatives and Senate, there is no party rule, so people won't follow him. They can still block him. One senator is enough... who could block the next president. No matter what his party affiliation is. In most issues. The one issue area of concern is security, when there is danger the president is really very mighty and that would be really very worrisome if Trump will be the next president."
    The make-up of Congress is also at stake with Republicans seen as making some gains in their quest to hold onto majority control of both chambers.
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