In a pivotal election, Germany’s center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), led by Friedrich Merz, have emerged victorious. The CDU/CSU alliance garnered approximately 28.5% of the vote, positioning Merz to become the next chancellor. This election also marked a significant surge for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which secured 20.8% of the vote, becoming the second-largest party in the Bundestag.
In a post-election address, Merz emphasized the necessity for Europe to achieve greater independence from the United States, citing concerns over the Trump administration’s perceived indifference toward European affairs. He stated, “After Donald Trump’s statements in the last week, it is clear that the Americans are largely indifferent to the fate of Europe.” Merz advocates for bolstering Europe’s defense capabilities and reducing reliance on U.S. security guarantees, reflecting a strategic pivot in Germany’s foreign policy.
The CDU/CSU’s victory, while decisive, does not constitute an outright majority, necessitating coalition negotiations. Merz has expressed intentions to form a government by Easter, with the Social Democratic Party (SPD), which suffered its worst electoral performance at 16%, being a potential coalition partner. However, SPD leader and outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz has acknowledged the defeat and indicated reluctance to participate in a CDU-led government. The AfD’s significant gains, particularly in the former East Germany, underscore a shift in the political landscape, though mainstream parties have ruled out collaborating with the far-right faction.
Merz’s policy priorities include addressing migration, revitalizing the economy, and redefining foreign relations. He has pledged to enhance border protection, control immigration, and implement economic reforms such as tax cuts and deregulation to maintain Germany’s industrial competitiveness. On the international front, Merz is committed to supporting Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions with Russia and seeks to strengthen European unity in response to global challenges.
The election results have elicited varied reactions domestically and internationally. European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have welcomed the prospect of a strong and sovereign Europe under Merz’s leadership. Conversely, the rise of the AfD has raised concerns about the growing influence of far-right populism in European politics.
As coalition talks commence, the formation of a stable government remains imperative to address pressing issues such as economic stability, migration, and Europe’s strategic autonomy. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the direction of Germany’s domestic and foreign policies under the prospective Merz administration.
