As Germany’s federal election results remain uncertain, the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) and their Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), are poised to secure the most votes. However, this outcome does not guarantee a smooth path to power for Friedrich Merz, who is likely to become the next chancellor.
Initial exit polls indicate that the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) and their Bavarian sister party, the ‘conservative Christian Social Union’ (CSU), have secured the most votes in the federal election. Friedrich Merz is likely to become the next chancellor, but this outcome does not necessarily guarantee a smooth path to power.
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU) are two conservative parties in Germany that have formed a long-standing alliance, known as the CDU-CSU.
This union has been a stable force in German politics for over 60 years, with the CSU representing Bavaria and the CDU covering the rest of the country.
Together, they have provided several German chancellors, including Angela Merkel.
The alliance is built on shared conservative values and has contributed significantly to Germany's post-war economic miracle.
Building a Coalition: A Daunting Task Ahead
The CDU-CSU do not possess a majority, forcing them to seek out coalition partners. The most obvious choice lies with the third-placed ‘Social Democrats’ (SPD). While a two-party coalition is preferred as it can minimize bickering, the SPD and CDU disagree on key issues, including sending long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine.
The Rise of the Far Right: A Threat to Stability
For the first time since World War II, a far-right party has secured the second-highest number of votes. The ‘Alternative for Germany’ (AfD) party’s historic results pose significant challenges for the next government. The ‘firewall’ pact between mainstream parties, which prohibits cooperation with the far right, is under scrutiny.
The Fallout from AfD’s Success
AfD leader Alice Weidel has echoed Donald Trump‘s sentiments, releasing a video statement urging people to ‘observe’ the ballot counting and ‘protect democracy.’ Many of AfD‘s supporters have threatened to take to the streets if the party is excluded from government. US Vice President JD Vance‘s comments at the Munich Security Conference, suggesting the new administration would be willing to work with the AfD, has sparked outrage.
The Path Ahead: Challenges and Uncertainties
Friedrich Merz has vowed not to form a government with the AfD, but if he sticks to this pledge, right-wing demonstrations are likely to intensify. The party’s expansion into traditional areas of support in the west is a concern, driven by dissatisfaction over migration, the economy, and the war in Ukraine.
The Next Government’s To-Do List
Germany’s next government faces pressing issues: reviving its economy after two years of recession, restoring its position at the EU’s center, and addressing the rise of populism. With America’s support for Ukraine uncertain, Germany must step up to fill the gap, a challenge that requires transforming its military.
Located in Central Europe, Germany is a federal parliamentary republic with a population of over 83 million people.
The country shares borders with Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Berlin serves as both the capital and largest city.
Germany's economy is one of the strongest in the world, driven by industries such as automotive manufacturing, engineering, and renewable energy.
The final results are not yet confirmed, but one thing is clear: the next government has four years to fix Germany’s problems. If it fails, populists may ride to power in 2029.
Populism is a political ideology that emphasizes the idea of the people versus the elite.
It often involves anti-establishment rhetoric and a focus on direct democracy.
According to a study by the Pew Research Center, 80% of countries have experienced a rise in populist movements since 2000.
Populist leaders often use social media to connect directly with voters, bypassing traditional institutions.
This phenomenon has been observed in various regions, including Europe, North America, and Latin America.
