BERLIN: Germany’s opposition leader Friedrich Merz declared victory after exit polls showed his conservative party leading the election. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its sister party won 28.6% of votes. The election also saw an unprecedented surge in support for the far-right.
US Relations
Merz, likely Germany’s next chancellor, emphasized the need for Europe to achieve independence from the United States. He criticized recent US intervention in German politics, likening it to Russian influence. Merz expressed concern over American indifference to Europe’s fate, especially under Donald Trump’s administration.
Far-Right Surge
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured 20.8% of votes, becoming the second-largest party. Despite this, other parties maintain a “firewall” to prevent the AfD from entering government. The dramatic rise of the AfD reflects growing concerns over immigration and economic issues.
Government Challenges
Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) suffered a major defeat, securing only 16.4% of votes. This marked a sharp decline from 2021 when it won 25.7%. The collapse of the SPD-led coalition contributed to this setback, leaving Merz with the challenge of forming a new government.
European Unity
Merz aims to strengthen European cooperation and reduce reliance on the US. He stressed that Trump’s recent actions, including peace talks with Russia excluding European leaders, have further fueled uncertainty. European leaders are now working on a unified response to safeguard their interests.
Merz’s leadership will determine Germany’s future approach to international relations and domestic policies.
