Portside

German Parties Realign * Solidarity Protests Against the Far Right * Reports from South Africa, Mexico, Canada

The “red-red-green” coalition has taken office in Thuringia, German -- having squeezed through to victory by one single wavering vote.

The leaders are currently working almost around the clock in their overriding hope for an agreement with Merkel (CDU) and the Bavarian Seehofer (CSU). For them a great deal is at stake. If a new “grand coalition” government is formed they will get fine cabinet posts, in Gabriel’s case the job of vice-chancellor next to Merkel. But if the attempt breaks down they might end up in the party dust bin.