Friedrich Merz’s Conservatives Win German Election Amid Political Fracture
Friedrich Merz’s conservatives have emerged victorious in Germany’s election outpacing rival parties but falling short of the expected 30% vote share. Addressing cheering supporters, Merz called for celebration but emphasized the urgency of forming a government prioritizing negotiations with the third-placed Social Democrats led by Olaf Scholz.
Before results were finalized, Merz stated his focus would be on European unity to achieve greater independence from the US. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) also celebrated a record second-place result, garnering 20.8% of the vote. However, even with this achievement, the mood at their headquarters was muted as they had hoped for more.
Merz who has never held a ministerial position, pledged to provide strong leadership in Europe and bolster support for Ukraine criticizing US President Donald Trump’s indifference towards European issues. Following the election, Merz intends to form a coalition with Scholz’s Social Democrats despite their record low support of 16.4%. Both parties, however, collectively hold a majority in the 630-seat parliament.
The election saw an impressive 83% voter turnout, the highest since before German reunification in 1990. The rise of the AfD capitalizing on public discontent over rising prices and security concerns signals a shift in the political landscape. Merz dismissed the AfD’s rise as a symptom of unresolved issues and expressed determination to address these problems.
Trump welcomed Merz’s victory claiming it reflected a common desire for change among Germans and Americans. European leaders including France’s Emmanuel Macron and the UK’s Sir Keir Starmer swiftly congratulated Merz highlighting the need for unity in facing global challenges.
Younger voters, however, showed increased interest in alternative parties, particularly the AfD and the Left, the latter of which recently surged in popularity thanks to viral TikTok campaigns. As the political landscape evolves, Merz faces the challenge of navigating a fractured electorate while trying to establish a stable coalition government.
