Friedrich Merz, a prominent figure in Germany’s center-right Christian Democratic Union-Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) alliance, has made waves by pledging to lead Germany toward greater independence from the United States. This bold statement comes on the heels of his party’s victory in the recent parliamentary elections, held against a backdrop of growing uncertainty about U.S. President Donald Trump’s commitment to European security. Merz, who is now poised to become the next Chancellor of Germany, emphasized that his top priority would be to strengthen Europe so that it no longer relies on Washington for its defense. He expressed these sentiments during a televised roundtable discussion with other political leaders, where he criticized Trump’s recent remarks, suggesting that the current U.S. administration appears indifferent to Europe’s fate. Merz went so far as to question the future of NATO in its current form, hinting that Europe might need to accelerate the development of its own independent defense capabilities by the time the alliance meets again in June.
The election results themselves were significant, with the CDU/CSU alliance securing 208 seats and 28.6% of the vote, making it the largest faction in the Bundestag. However, the real surprise of the election was the surging support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which more than doubled its previous result, winning 152 seats and 20.8% of the vote. This marked the AfD’s best-ever performance in a national election, solidifying its position as a major force in German politics. Meanwhile, the outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) suffered its worst showing since World War II, winning just 120 seats. The Greens and the democratic socialist Die Linke also secured seats, with 85 and 64 respectively, while the left-wing populist Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) managed to win a single seat. The pro-business Free Democratic Party, a traditional coalition partner for both the CDU/CSU and the SPD, failed to clear the 5% threshold needed to enter parliament.
Merz’s victory speech was marked by a mix of triumph and caution. He acknowledged the complexity of the coalition negotiations that lie ahead, as his party will need to form a governing majority in the Bundestag. Traditionally, the CDU/CSU has alternated between partnering with the SPD and the Free Democratic Party, but this time, the Free Democrats were excluded from parliament. Merz ruled out working with the AfD, despite its strong showing, and instead signaled that he would seek to form a coalition with the SPD, the Greens, or both. He stressed the urgency of forming a stable government, noting that the global challenges facing Germany and Europe cannot afford lengthy delays in coalition talks. “The world out there is not waiting for us,” Merz said, urging his potential partners to act swiftly.
The election took place against a tense geopolitical backdrop, as concerns grow about the Trump administration’s efforts to broker a peace deal in Ukraine. Critics argue that Washington’s approach risks undermining the transatlantic alliance by bringing the U.S. closer to Moscow at Europe’s expense. Trump himself weighed in on the election, welcoming the outcome as a “great day” for both Germany and the U.S. He claimed that the German public had grown weary of the “no common sense agenda” pursuing by the outgoing government, particularly on issues like energy and immigration. Merz, who has long been a staunch advocate for transatlantic ties, campaigned on a conservative platform that resonated with voters disenchanted with the status quo. His promises to curb unauthorized migration, slash taxes, and reduce bureaucratic red tape struck a chord with many Germans who feel the current government has mismanaged these critical issues.
Despite his triumph, Merz faces significant challenges in the days ahead. The CDU/CSU’s ability to form a functional coalition will depend on its ability to find common ground with its traditional center-left rivals, the SPD. Merz and the SPD leadership have a history of ideological differences, particularly on economic policy, which could complicate negotiations. The Greens, who performed relatively well in the election, may also play a key role in shaping the next government. Merz has expressed a preference for a straightforward coalition with a single partner, but he has not ruled out the possibility of a more complex arrangement involving multiple parties if necessary. He acknowledged that forming a government with two or more partners would be more difficult, but he remained optimistic about the prospects of success. “The main thing is to create a government in Germany that is capable of acting as quickly as possible, with a good parliamentary majority,” he said.
The AfD, meanwhile, has vowed to continue its ascent, despite being excluded from coalition talks by the mainstream parties. AfD leader Alice Weidel, who has been a polarizing figure in German politics, welcomed her party’s strong showing and suggested that it was only a matter of time before the AfD assumes power. She accused the mainstream parties of engaging in “electoral fraud” by refusing to consider a coalition with her party, despite its significant support among voters. “Our hand remains outstretched to form a government,” Weidel told her supporters, but she warned that if the CDU/CSU opts to govern with left-wing parties instead, the AfD would only grow stronger. “Next time, we’ll come first,” she declared, leaving little doubt about her ambitions for the future.
The broader implications of this election extend far beyond Germany’s borders. The outcome reflects a growing sense of uncertainty and disillusionment with the existing political order across Europe and beyond. Merz’s call for greater European independence from the U.S. resonates with many who feel that the transatlantic alliance is no longer as reliable as it once was. At the same time, the rise of the AfD and other far-right movements in Germany highlights the deepening divide within the country and the broader European Union. As Merz navigates the complex landscape of coalition building and international diplomacy, he will be keenly aware that the choices he makes will have far-reaching consequences for Germany, Europe, and the world.
