Another 'Pirate' Raid Is Trouble for Merkel

Germany‘s Pirate Party, which campaigns on a platform of Internet freedom and political transparency, has entered the state parliament in North Rhine-Westhphalia (NRW)—Germany’s most populous state. The party earned 7.8% of the vote, exceeding the 5% required to enter parliament. That showing puts it on par with the Free Democrats (FDP), Angela Merkel‘s coalition partners, who nabbed 8.6% of the vote, and the Green Party, which managed 11.3%. Speaking at Düsseldorf’s Zakk discotheque after the results came in, biochemical engineer-turned-Pirate Joachim Paul glimpsed even more success on the horizon.”The Pirates in North Rhine-Westphalia are in the state parliament!” he shouted as supporters waved swords fastened from orange balloons. “Tomorrow it’s on to the federal parliament!”