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Germany’s Friedrich Merz promised to unite Europe and move quickly to “achievement independence” from the US after the central right block won the federal election.
In the election where Germany moved to the right, the Christian Democrats of Meltz (CDU/CSU) came first with 28.5% of Sunday’s vote and made at least one coalition partner to secure a majority in the working parliament. I needed it.
German far-right alternatives (AFDs) have come second, with votes doubled to an all-time high of 21%.
The liberal Liberal Democrats and the far left Sarah Wagen Knecht Alliance (BSW) were unable to win enough votes to increase the number of seats held by large parties.
As a result, Merz offers the option to form a two-party government with Prime Minister Olaf Scholz, the Social Democrat (SPD), despite having a majority in the parliament.
However, a strong show by AFD and left-wing Die Linke is taking risks to limit Merz’s controls and increase investments, including expanding the defense budget.
Within hours of the vote closed, Meltz declared that Germany must fundamentally rework its security arrangements and end decades of dependence on Washington, with President Donald Trump still in Europe He said he was “almost indifferent” to his fate.
“I’ve been in close contact with many prime ministers, I’m the head of the EU,” Meltz said. “And strengthening Europe as quickly as possible must be an absolute priority, and in stages we will actually achieve independence from the US.”
He added: “I wouldn’t have thought I had to say that. But after Donald Trump’s statement, at least this US government has been largely indifferent to Americans’ fate in Europe. It’s clear.”
Merz said he is keen to form a government as soon as possible given the big challenges facing Germany and Europe. “The world will not wait for us,” he added.
DAX futures rose 1.1%, with the euro bolstering 0.6% during morning trading in Asia to $1.052.
EU diplomat Kaja Karas told reporters on Monday that Merz “hopes he can form a government as quickly as possible.
Speaking unsure of NATO’s future, Mertz highlighted Washington’s intervention in the German election campaign, comparing it to Russian interference.
The Trump administration has publicly tried the AFD, criticizing mainstream German politicians for refusing to cooperate with the party flirting with Nazi Ella slogans, urging an end to sanctions against Russia, and a massive migrant troops He called for exile.
In recent weeks, Trump has threatened to blind Europe and extract US security guarantees from the continent by holding direct talks with Russia to end the war in Ukraine. Germany hosts the greatest conditions for American troops stationed in Europe.
Before Sunday, Trump described the election results as evidence that “German people were tired of the unconventional agenda about energy and immigration that they have won over the years.”
Meltz has few options, but he won just over 16% of the vote, except for forming a coalition with the SPD. It’s the worst result since 1887. I was afraid.
Disappointed by the show below 12 percent, the Greens didn’t get enough seats as a viable alternative to SPD.
The results show a big swing to the right in Germany after a series of deadly attacks by immigrants promoted anti-immigrant sentiment.
According to data from the exit vote, voter turnout reached its highest level at 84% since Germany’s reunification in 1990.
Merz will inherit an economy that has been struggling with two years of stagnation amid high energy prices and China’s competition. CDU leaders have committed to not only driving reform and energizing growth, but also helping Germany play a full role in Europe.
However, AFD and Die Linke have won enough seats to block the “debt brake” changes that limit the German government’s borrowing, overhauling the collapsed infrastructure of the new government, and significantly increasing defence spending. It makes it even more difficult.
“Merz could become the prime minister with little financial space,” warned Berenberg Bank economist Holger Schmieding.
AFD co-leader Alice Weidel celebrated the party by doubling its vote share from 2021 to secure Germany’s biggest far-right interests since World War II.
“We led an epic campaign,” Weidel said. She said she emphasized that her party is accepting coalition consultations with CDU/CSU to meet “the will of the people.”
Scholz has shown that he will step back from the frontline politics after the “bitter consequences” of the SPD.
Data visualization by Martin Stabe and Jonathan Vincent. Additional report by William Sandland of Hong Kong by Henry Foy of Brussels
