Friedrich Merz’s election as leader of the CDU has prompted varied global responses, highlighting concerns over the far-right AfD’s significant gains. Leaders from the EU and US expressed eagerness for cooperation, while some applauded the AfD, raising alarm over its electoral success. Merz must now navigate coalition-building and significant geopolitical challenges as he prepares to lead Germany.
Following the election victory of Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), global reactions have varied significantly. While leaders worldwide congratulated Merz, many expressed concern over the growing popularity of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which secured its best result at 20.8%, finishing second. Merz, now likely to become Chancellor, faces the challenge of coalition building amidst a rising far-right influence.
European leaders voiced anticipation for collaborating with Merz. European Council President Antonio Costa highlighted the need for a prosperous and autonomous Europe, while EU High Representative Kaja Kallas emphasized the urgency for a new government formation, urging decisions at the European level that rely on Germany’s active participation.
International congratulatory messages included US President Donald Trump, who noted the election reflected a shift against ineffective policies on energy and immigration. He stated, “The people of Germany got tired of the no common sense agenda… this is a great day for Germany.” The Kremlin’s response was cautious, awaiting to see how German-Russian ties could be influenced by the new leadership.
French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also congratulated Merz, stressing the importance of a united Europe amidst current global challenges. Macron reiterated the goal of stronger collaboration, while Starmer looked forward to enhancing security and economic growth between Germany and the UK.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy interpreted the election results as a significant choice by German voters and expressed readiness to collaborate on defense and peace initiatives with Europe due to ongoing tensions with Russia. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized the necessity for increased defense spending under the new leadership, labeling Merz’s role as pivotal.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the CDU’s coalition success, indicating a commitment to fortifying ties with Germany. Contrarily, reactions from some leaders highlighted the AfD’s electoral gains. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban congratulated AfD’s candidate for significantly increasing their vote share, implying a call for change in Germany’s political landscape.
In Italy, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini interpreted AfD’s rise as a victory against the left, advocating for radical changes in immigration and climate policy. Austrian far-right leader Herbert Kickl noted the election results represented a breach of barriers meant to contain the AfD, underscoring public frustrations with immigration and security policies.
Conversely, some Jewish organizations expressed alarm at the electoral success of the AfD, with the head of Germany’s Central Council of Jews, Josef Schuster, stating concern over the party’s links to extremism and the doubling of their voter share. His remarks reflect broader apprehensions about the political implications of the far-right’s ascendance in Germany.
The reactions to Friedrich Merz’s electoral victory reveal a complex mix of anticipation and apprehension regarding the rise of the far right in Germany. As global leaders express hope for cooperation with Merz, the significant gains by the AfD prompt concerns over potential shifts in German policy and European stability. This electoral outcome underscores the challenges ahead for coalition building in a politically fragmented landscape, especially in light of rising extremism.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
