Friedrich Merz is set to become Germany’s next chancellor after his opposition conservative bloc, the CDU/CSU, secured victory in Sunday’s national election. Merz, 69, faces a complex path ahead as he navigates coalition talks in a fractured political landscape.
The election saw a historic surge for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which claimed second place with 20.5% of the vote, marking a significant shift in German politics. The governing three-way alliance led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz suffered a severe defeat, with the Social Democrats (SPD) recording their worst post-war result at 16.5%.
Merz, who has never held public office before, will take charge of Europe’s largest economy at a challenging time. Germany is grappling with economic downturns, societal divisions over migration, and geopolitical uncertainties amid tensions with the United States, Russia, and China.
In his victory remarks, Merz signaled a strong push for European unity and independence, criticizing what he called “outrageous” U.S. interference during the campaign. Despite former U.S. President Donald Trump’s endorsement of the election result, Merz emphasized that his priority is to strengthen Europe’s position on the global stage.
With coalition negotiations ahead, the political landscape remains uncertain. The CDU/CSU’s 28.5% of the vote means Merz must secure alliances, possibly with two partners, to form a stable government. The Greens received 11.8%, while the far-left Die Linke made unexpected gains with 8.7%. Meanwhile, the Free Democrats (FDP) and the newly formed Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) are hovering around the 5% threshold to enter parliament.
As talks unfold, Scholz is expected to remain in office as a caretaker chancellor, potentially delaying critical policy decisions. This transition period comes at a time when Germany faces pressing economic challenges and shifting global alliances, raising concerns over the country’s leadership in Europe.
With voter turnout reaching 83%, the highest since reunification, Germany’s political landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Whether Merz can solidify his leadership and implement meaningful change remains to be seen as the nation braces for a new chapter in its governance.