In Germany, a victory for Angela Merkel and populism

In her victory statement, Ms. Merkel spoke of bringing back the discontented voters who cast their ballots for Alternative for Germany

As anticipated, Angela Merkel’s party came in first in the German national election on Sunday, assuring her of a fourth term as chancellor. That much was foreordained, even if Ms Merkel’s center-right Christian Democrats and their Bavarian allies came in slightly below expectations, with roughly a third of the vote.

Ms Merkel’s bland slogan — “For a Germany where life is good and we enjoy it” — summed up a campaign that promised to continue the reassuring blend of moderation, stability, dignity and determined centrism that “Mutti” (mommy) has steadfastly pursued in an era of extremist politics. It was reassuring,