Global Reactions to Merz’s German Election Victory and AfD Surge

Following Friedrich Merz’s electoral victory as leader of the CDU, reactions from world leaders have been varied, with some offering congratulations while others express concern regarding the rise of the far-right AfD party. Merz faces challenges in coalition-building amidst a complex geopolitical landscape, while leaders from Europe and beyond weigh in on the implications of the election results.

World leaders have expressed their congratulations to Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), following his electoral victory in Germany. However, these responses were accompanied by concerns regarding the significant rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which achieved a notable 20.8 percent share of the vote, securing second place in the election. Merz, who is expected to assume the role of chancellor, now faces the imperative task of forming a coalition government amidst a challenging economic landscape and intricate geopolitical dynamics.

Prominent figures from the European Union welcomed Merz’s victory. European Council President Antonio Costa expressed anticipation to cooperate with Merz for a more prosperous and autonomous Europe. Meanwhile, Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative, urged for a swift government formation, emphasizing the necessity for Germany’s engagement in crucial European decisions.

In the United States, President Donald Trump celebrated Merz’s triumph, noting parallels with his own electoral successes. He asserted, “Much like the USA, the people of Germany got tired of the no common sense agenda… This is a great day for Germany, and for the United States of America under the leadership of a gentleman named Donald J Trump.”

The Kremlin reacted to the election outcome with caution, emphasizing the need for a pragmatic approach in future relations between Russia and Germany. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked, “Each time (there’s a new government) we want to hope for a more sober approach to reality.” Similarly, French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated Merz, affirming a commitment to bolster Franco-German relations during uncertain global times.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed eagerness to strengthen the relationship between Germany and Britain under the new government. From Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the election results as a clear choice by voters, asserting Ukraine’s readiness to collaborate with Germany in addressing regional challenges. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also congratulated Merz, emphasizing the urgency for increased European defense spending.

Conversely, some leaders spotlighted the AfD’s increased electoral support. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban chose to applaud the far right, stating, “The people of Germany voted for change in immense numbers.” Meanwhile, Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini interpreted AfD’s gains as a sign of a wider shift in German political sentiment, advocating for policy changes around immigration and employment.

Herbert Kickl, leader of Austria’s far-right Freedom Party, described the election results as a breach in the opposition to AfD influence. He expressed that Germans are unwilling to accept various social issues any longer. Jewish organizations voiced concerns regarding the AfD’s rise, with Josef Schuster from Germany’s Central Council of Jews expressing shock at the doubling of AfD’s electoral support, noting, “It should concern us all that one-fifth of German voters… cast their ballots for a party that is at least partly right-wing extremist.”

The outcome of the German elections, particularly Friedrich Merz’s triumph and the AfD’s substantial gains, has elicited mixed responses from world leaders. While many express hopes for collaboration and stability, the rise of far-right sentiments has raised alarms among various communities, particularly in light of historical implications. The formation of the new government will be critical in addressing these longstanding social and political issues.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com