The governments and Coalitions of the Maldives and Germany, respectively, are now characterised by instability. In the Maldives, the Supreme Court ordered the release of top Opposition politicians - which would give the opposition the majority in the country’s assembly to potential impeach the president - yet President Abdulla Yameen has instead refused to comply with the order and has declared a state of emergency. Mr. Yameen also sent envoys to China, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, whereas opposition leaders have urged India to intervene. And in Germany, even though Chancellor Angela Merkel has agreed on a coalition deal with her previous governing partners, including the Social Democrats, her conservative party had to give up the finance ministry, and the outcome of the deal is contingent upon a vote by members of the Social Democratic Party. The three parties returning to Government, moreover, had their worst electoral showing last year since the 1940s. Continue reading →