German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said he hoped early elections called by Britain's prime minister would bring more "clarity and accountability" in its negotiations to leave the European Union.
Referencing the 1992 General election when the two were candidates in the Durham West constituency, LibDem leader Tim Farron said TV debates were now an expected part of the general election.
May had repeatedly ruled out a snap election but clearly wants to capitalise on the Conservative party's lead in the polls, now running at more than 20 per cent. She was just waved through to become party leader and PM.
However, while making the announcement on Tuesday, she clarified her stance. "Right now we should be working together, not pulling apart", May said.
Mrs May said she was concerned that opposition parties would seek to derail Brexit by voting against key pieces of legislation including the Great Repeal Bill, which will provide the legislative authority to take Britain out of the European Union.
"She presents herself as someone putting the national interest first, before her party, and someone who does not play political games", said Steven Fielding, a professor of political history at the University of Nottingham.
That would make it easier for her to ignore opposition calls for a softer European Union exit - making compromises to retain some benefits of membership - and to face down hardliners within her own party who want a no-compromise "hard Brexit" that many economists fear could be devastating.
The failed North Korean missile test over the weekend was an attempt by the reclusive country to "provoke something", U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Tuesday, pledging that the United States will work with China to reduce tensions.
General Election: Tim Farron vows to fight 'hard Brexit'
Announcing plans for a snap election yesterday, Ms May said she wants to secure a more convincing mandate for Brexit. He ruled out a coalition with Labour, claiming the two party's views are too different.
With the Labour opposition weakened, May's gamble will probably pay off with an enhanced Conservative majority in Parliament - but it's unlikely to unite a country deeply split over the decision to quit the EU.
"And un-elected members of the House of Lords have vowed to fight us every step of the way".
Why did May change her mind? Analysts at Deutsche Bank also believe a convincing election victory for May will make the deadline to deliver a "clean" Brexit without a lengthy transitional arrangement by 2019 "far less pressing", given that there will now be no election in 2020. It's already obvious that it's going to take much longer than that.
It remains to be seen whether those forecasts will remain intact after Britain has endured the uncertainty of a seven-week election campaign.
"If we do not hold a general election now their political game-playing will continue, and the negotiations with the European Union will reach their most hard stage in the run-up to the next scheduled election".
By calling an election now, and with the nearly watertight expectation of winning, May puts off the necessity for another election until 2022. "My sense is that a stronger mandate and more time would allow a more patient approach and a softer Brexit, probably more in line with May's instincts". By then, of course, British voters likely will be contending with their country's revival of its 16th, 17th and 18th century status as an off-shore Tortuga of buccaneering free traders.
The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the views of The Hill.
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