Germany’s future ties with the US are in question as Conservative leader Friedrich Merz calls for distance from American influence. The CDU has secured a majority, but coalition talks are set to be challenging.
The German conservative bloc has secured a majority of the votes, with early projections indicating that they have won around 28.5% of the votes. This is ahead of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has secured over 20% of the votes.
CDU Leader Friedrich Merz Calls for European Independence
Conservative leader Friedrich Merz has urged Europe to distance itself from the US, citing statements made by US President Donald Trump as a reason for this call. ‘It is an absolute priority to strengthen Europe and achieve independence from the US, step by step.’
Friedrich Merz is a German politician who has been a member of the Bundestag since 1985.
He served as the Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) from 2000 to 2004.
Born on November 11, 1955, in Mönchengladbach, Germany, Merz studied law and economics at the University of Bonn.
He has been a prominent figure in German politics, holding various leadership positions within the CDU and serving as a member of several parliamentary committees.
NATO Chief Rutte Congratulates Merz
NATO secretary-general Mark Rutte has congratulated CDU leader Friedrich Merz on his election win. Rutte expressed his desire to work with Merz in this crucial moment for shared security, emphasizing the importance of Europe stepping up on defense spending.
Trump Calls CDU Victory a ‘Great Day’ for Germany
US President Donald Trump has described the conservative bloc’s victory as a great day for Germany and the world. He attributed the win to the German people being tired of the previous government’s policies, particularly on energy and immigration.
AfD Leader Weidel: Coalition with CDU Possible
AfD leader Alice Weidel has stated that her party is prepared to enter a coalition government with the conservative bloc. However, this is unlikely given the CDU’s rejection of working with the AfD.
Merz Denies Similarities between CDU and AfD
CDU leader Friedrich Merz denied any similarities between his party and the AfD, emphasizing that they have fundamental differences on foreign policy, security, NATO, Europe, and the Euro as a currency.
Grand Coalition Could Make a Comeback
Analysts are speculating about the future ruling coalition in Germany. While a coalition between CDU and AfD is mathematically possible, it is unlikely given Merz’s rejection of working with the AfD. The SPD remains a possible partner for the CDU, but this would require them to form a grand coalition.
Voters Reject Scholz-led Ruling Coalition
All parties in the current government coalition have suffered losses at the ballot box, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz‘s party dropping to around 16% from 25.7% in 2021. Majorities of voters from all parties expressed dissatisfaction with the government.
Merz Prefers One Coalition Partner over Two
CDU leader Friedrich Merz has stated that he would prefer one coalition partner rather than two, but ruled out working with the AfD. He is considering inviting the Greens or FDP as junior partners to form a government.
Young and First-Time Voters Opt for Extremes
Exit polls indicate that young voters have voted overwhelmingly for parties on the far-left and far-right. Over half of young voters have turned their backs on traditional centrist parties, with 25% voting for ‘Die Linke (The Left)’ and 21% voting for AfD.
Chancellor Scholz Regrets ‘Bitter’ Election Result
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has conceded defeat in Sunday’s parliamentary election, expressing regret over the ‘bitter’ result for his party. The conservative bloc has declared victory, with CDU leader Friedrich Merz stating that they have won the election.
Unclear Coalition Forecast Makes Election Night Difficult
The unclear coalition forecast makes election night all the more difficult. Depending on the final result, the next government could consist of four parties: CDU, CSU, SPD, and FDP or Greens.
