West German Election, 1961

Report Outline
Electoral Decision in Time of Crisis
West Germany's Political Party System
Leading Personalities in 1961 Campaign
Special Focus

Electoral Decision in Time of Crisis

Influence of Berlin Crisis on 1961 Election

Communist action to seal the sector borders between West and East Berlin, interfering with the freedom of movement guaranteed by four-power agreements on the status of the city, has sharply intensified the long gathering Berlin crisis. It may also have had decisive effect on the outcome of the national elections to be held in West Germany on Sept. 17. In that contest Mayor Willy Brandt of West Berlin is challenging the bid of venerable Konrad Adenauer to continue in the post of Chancellor of the Federal Republic—an office which Adenauer has already held for 12 years.

Reactions of the two men to the new turn of events in Berlin have differed somewhat. Both have voiced strong opposition to the Communist moves, but while Adenauer has gone along with the firm but cautious protests of the Big Three Western powers, Brandt has warned against a passive attitude and called for “convincing non-military counter-measures.” The Bundestag, listening to both men at a special session in Bonn on Aug. 18, gave vigorous applause and seemingly equal support to each.

On the basis of age alone, it might be supposed that 47-year-old Brandt would be deemed by West German voters better able than 85-year-old Adenauer to bear the heavy burden of leading the country at such a difficult time. However, Brandt has faced an uphill task from the outset. Now, despite admiration of his courage in front of the Russians, whatever chances he had of replacing the old Chancellor may have been hurt by the recognized risks of turning to a new man in time of crisis.