World reacts to Merz’ German election win amid warnings on far-right surge
Friedrich Merz, the CDU’s leader, was commended by a large number of international leaders for winning the German elections.
Some were also concerned as the polls began, while others were focused on the far-right surge as the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party celebrated its best performance in the polls, finishing second with a 20.8 percent turnout.
Merz, on track to become the next chancellor, now faces the tricky challenge of building a coalition government, returning Europe’s biggest economy to growth and navigating a complex geopolitical situation.
Which international reactions have received the best reviews?
European Union
Antonio Costa, president of the European Council, stated that he looks forward to collaborating with Merz to create a more prosperous and “autonomous” Europe in a challenging time.
High Representative of the European Union Kaja Kallas urged the swift formation of a new government: “The German people have made a choice, and now they need to put together the government. I hope that they do it as fast as possible because we really need to move on with the decisions also on the European level that require German participation.”
United States
President Donald Trump lauded the German conservative’s victory, but mostly what he saw as his own role in it, with an all-caps post on his social media account.
“Much like the USA, the people of Germany got tired of the no common sense agenda, especially on energy and immigration, that has prevailed for so many years”, the post said.
“This is a great day for Germany, and for the United States of America under the leadership of a gentleman named Donald J Trump. Congratulations to all – many more victories to follow!!!”
Russia
The Kremlin warned against watching any new German government’s ties develop in light of Merz’ victory.
“Each time (there’s a new government) we want to hope for a more sober approach to reality, for a more sober approach to what could be issues of mutual interest (between Russia and Germany), mutual benefits”, said spokesman Dmitry Peskov. “But let’s see how it will be in reality”.
France
President Emmanuel Macron praised and spoke with Merz, adding that Paris is determined to contribute to a more powerful Europe with the help of Germany.
“In this period of uncertainty, we are united to face the great challenges of the world and our continent”, he said on X.
United Kingdom
Merz and the CDU received congratulations on X from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who said he looks forward to “working with the new government to deepen our already strong relations, enhance our joint security, and deliver growth for both our countries.”
Ukraine
In Germany, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that the results “were a clear choice from the voters,” and Kyiv is ready to work to save lives, bring peace, and strengthen Europe as a result of the conflict with Russia.
“Europe must be able to defend itself, grow its economy, and achieve the desired outcomes. Europe needs shared successes, and those successes will bring even greater unity to Europe”.
NATO
In this crucial time for our shared security, Secretary-General Mark Rutte expressed his gratitude to Merz and expressed his delight in working with him.
“It’s vital that Europe step up on defence spending, and your leadership will be key”.
Israel
In a social media post, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the CDU’s partnership with its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union, for its “clear election victory.”
He addressed the new leaders of one of Israel’s closest allies in Europe, “Looking forward to working closely with your upcoming government to further strengthen the partnership between our two countries.”
Some leaders, however, chose to focus on the AfD’s success.
Hungary
Viktor Orban, the prime minister, praised the extreme right instead of congratulating the alliance that prevailed.
He wrote on X that “the people of Germany voted for change in sizable numbers.” “I want to congratulate]chancellor candidate] Alice Weidel on doubling AfD’s share of the votes. Good luck and God bless Germany”!
Italy
After seeing a significant increase in seats for the extreme right, deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini claimed that change is winning in Germany.
“AfD doubles its votes, despite attacks and lies from the left: stop illegal immigration and Islamic fanaticism, enough with the eco-madness, prioritise peace and jobs, Europe must be radically changed”, he said in a post on X.
Austria
The leader of the far-right Freedom Party of Austria, Herbert Kickl, said the result had left a “huge hole” in the “firewall” erected to keep the AfD out of power.
People “no longer want to put up with paternalism, illegal mass , immigration, the resulting Islamist terror and security chaos,  , climate communism and the destruction of prosperity”, he said.
Jewish groups, meanwhile, expressed alarm that the far-right had made such gains.
The leader of Germany’s Central Council of Jews, Josef Schuster, expressed his shock, telling the Welt newspaper: “Although this result was to be expected, according to the polls, I am also shocked this evening by the electoral success of the AfD, which has doubled its share of the vote in just three years”.
Source: Aljazeera
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