THERE were the usual helicopter-borne candidates, convoys of black Mercedes limousines and free carnations for ladies in Stuttgart. But there was also something unusual in the air as West Germany prepared to go to the polls this Sunday, in the sixth general election since the Federal Republic was founded 20 years ago. Halls and market places were filled to overflowing for every major candidate. Women and young people turned up at political rallies in unprecedented numbers. Questions put to the candidates showed deep understanding of complex issues.
What caused the almost palpable air of excitement and expectation was the fact that for...