Germans voted in a parliamentary election with centrist conservatives getting the most votes, while the far right came in second. The election was seen as a rebuke to the left-leaning government’s handling of the economy and immigration. The next chancellor is likely to be Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democrats, who will need coalition partners to govern. Merz has promised to crack down on migrants, slash taxes, and bring a more assertive foreign policy to help Ukraine and strengthen leadership in Europe.
The election, held seven months ahead of schedule, will be crucial in shaping Europe’s response to President Trump’s new world order. Merz has expressed a desire to reduce Europe’s dependence on the US in light of Trump’s administration’s perceived indifference to Europe’s fate. While the Christian Democrats and their sister party received 29 percent of the vote, it was a historically low share for the top party in a German election. The rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) doubled its vote share from four years ago, reflecting growing discontent over immigration and the refugee crisis.
The composition of the coalition government Mr. Merz will be able to form remains uncertain, with speculation surrounding potential coalition partners. The presence of pro-Russia splinter parties and the failure of the pro-business Free Democrats to secure enough votes could lead to a challenging and unstable government formation process. Merz has pledged not to join forces with AfD, a party linked to Nazi ideologies. Despite a growing presence of AfD in German politics, voters have shown aversion to their extreme views and their handling of recent attacks.
The possibility of a coalition with center-left Social Democrats, even though they suffered a dip in support, appears likely. Merz faces the task of reinvigorating a stagnant economy and navigating trade and security challenges with the US under Trump’s administration. Voters are looking to the next government to address issues like post-pandemic inflation and immigration. Some voters have expressed faith in the AfD as the only alternative to address their concerns, while others hope for Germany’s democracy to resist right-wing threats and manage problems without drifting to extremes.
As negotiations with potential coalition partners begin, the German political landscape remains in flux, with questions about the stability and effectiveness of the next government. The election outcome reflects a divided electorate grappling with economic challenges and concerns over immigration and security. Merz’s proposed policies on migration, foreign policy, and economic reforms will shape Germany’s role in Europe and its relationship with the US. The election results point to a shifting political landscape in Germany and the looming challenges facing the new government in addressing the country’s pressing issues.
