The Year 2012: The political prospects | People

Many countries in the world are holding elections this year, and major changes are in the offing. But in Germany much will remain the same - at least in top political offices. Schleswig-Holstein is the only German state with parliamentary elections slated for this year. And the coalition between the CDU/CSU and the FDP will probably remain at the country's helm. As a result, many of the issues of 2011 will continue to dominate 2012: the stability of the Euro, phasing out nuclear power, Afghanistan, unrest in the coalition, and the loss of trust in the office of the President.