Germany's election result could soon be inspiring Europe's centre left | Martin Kettle

If Olaf Scholz becomes chancellor after his narrow victory, progressives across the continent will be trying to imitate him

Germany's general election signals far more than just the end of the Angela Merkel era. Although it will eventually produce yet another centrist coalition government, this should not be dismissed as simply the same old same-old. For the new government will represent several steps into the unknown. There will be significant lessons and lasting political consequences - for Germany above all, but also for the continent of which, in spite of everything, Britain remains part.

Even without Merkel at the helm, Germany remains Europe's economic powerhouse and principal regional player. That will not change. Yet, with no party exceeding 26% of the votes after last Sunday's contest, German voters have ushered in a new and more fragmented political order. For the first time they face government by a three-party coalition, not the more familiar two.