PROST! Bavaria voted, Schröder suffers big poll defeat!

Cable News Network ^

[Michael81Dus]

MUNICH, Germany (Reuters) -- Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's party suffered its worst election defeat in Bavaria since World War Two on Sunday, beaten in Germany's second most populous state by the conservatives for the 13th time in a row.

Schroeder's Social Democrats fell more than 10 points to 18.5 percent in Bavaria, according to a television exit poll released after polling stations closed at 6 p.m. (1600 GMT).

[Michael81Dus]

This is indeed a great day! And I´m so damned glad that the people have given Schröder another warning he should understand.

Stoiber is now in a position to ask every office he wants. He can become the next Federal President or the next CDU/CSU-candidate for chancellor. But, more likely, he will stay in Munich and use his influence on the national policy through the upper house of the states.

[Michael81Dus]

Although I live in Northern Germany, and there´s traditionally a rivalry between Prussians and Bavarians, but I tend to agree. :)

[AnAmericanMother]

Bavarians indeed think more like Americans - and specifically Southerners. They are conservative, self-starters, devout (though largely Catholic instead of Southern Baptist), and they know how to have a good time. And like Southerners they tend to be looked down on by other segments of the population ("ein kleines diebisches Bergvolk". :-D )

I found that when I was living there I got along swimmingly by thinking of them as "good old boys in Lederhosen". I never had a minute's worth of trouble with anybody in Bayern, and we all had a good time.

[Prodigal Son]

Yesterday, he watched Christian Ude tap the first keg of Oktoberfest. Today, he continued the theme by pounding the SPD in the bunghole.

D-oh! Tap and bunghole in the same post...

[Freedom4US]

The way it was explained to me, Bavaria is the "Texas" of Germany. The hefe-weissen is to die for, as yet unduplicated in the US. Same with the bratwurst, yumm.

Even people who don't like beer, like hefe-weissen. Roughly 30 per cent of Germans drink it, so it can't be all bad.

[Michael81Dus]

But actually their reputation has grown. They´ve successfully combined traditions with a modern economy. Times, when Bavarian economy meant agriculture, are past. Bavaria - along with neighbour Baden-Württemberg - has the lowest unemployment rate, highest productivity, etc. They´re leading, even though they´re struggling because of the national laws.

[inPhase]

and from the NYT -- a nette mensch ...

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/21/international/europe/21GERM.html
(or search at google to avoid the nyt info tax)


complaining about the 1 party state...

[Sparta]

Congratulations

[Michael81Dus]

"It is a danger to democracy," Mr. Maget said in a brief interview after his last formal campaign speech. "Democracy depends on a power balance. It may sound defensive to talk about this two-thirds majority, but we have to warn people."

I don´t think so. In Bavaria, a 2/3 majority cannot change the constitution - a vote of the people is required for that.

Ok, there are other things the CSU can decide on their own (e.g. to ban the public out of the parliament and even investigation committees), but we´re still democrats and respect the opinions of others. It´s typical the Left: reproaching US with anti-democratic attitude just because THEY´re near zero sympathy in the state!

[The Energizer]

Thanks. Just got back from celebrating Oktoberfest in Michigan's "Little Bavaria," Frankenmuth. A good time was had by all!

[Michael81Dus]

Thanks, just one day after New York held the Steube Parade, celebrating German-American friendship with 500,000 people at the streets this is good news.

"God with you, you land of the Bavarians" (beginning of the Bavarian anthem) and God bless America!

[quebecois]

Why does "Oktoberfest" begin in September??

[Michael81Dus]

http://www.oktoberfest.de/en/fakten/faq1.php#2

Why is the Oktoberfest called the "Oktober-Fest" when it starts in September?

This has something to do with the Munich weather at this time of the year, which is much nicer and warmer in September than October. In this manner, guests can enjoy strolling around the fair grounds or sitting at the adjoining areas outside the tents without freezing.

The reason it starts in September has also historical origins. At the beginning of the 19th century, when the fair was still in its infancy, it went for a much shorter period of time, and only took place during October (ending on the first weekend of October). This consequently made it an October-fest. Further historical information regarding the Oktoberfest can be found here. (Please go to the link above)

[JohnnyRidden]

This makes me proud to drive a BMW. :P

[July 4th]

Here's some info on that: http://www.oktoberfest.de/en/fakten/faq1.php#2

[AnAmericanMother]

Well, I hope they don't lose the agricultural component altogether.

St. John's Eve in a small farming village outside Munich was a real treat - basically an enormous party that lasted all night.

[WOSG]

Well DONE!

Freedom-lovers Gaining Worldwide! :-)

[LouD]

It's nice to be a Preuss
But it's higher, to be a Bayer

Bayern has always been the most conservative (and the most pro-American) part of the country.

[RightOnTheLeftCoast]

I'm in Bavaria several times a year due to business and family. It's storybook-lovely, and the people are nice and very happy to have Americans visit. The Alps, the castles, Chiemsee, Eibsee, Tegernsee... just spectacular.

Glad to have you at FR!

[inPhase]

and did you notice how little news about Schro's loss?

As you can see many os us know and love Bavaria,

but it turns out I rather appreciate the manners and culture of the North too.