Germany’s conservatives win federal elections

KABUL (Pajhwok): After claiming victory in elections, the leader of Germany’s conservative leader Friedrich Merz promised working for strengthening the unity of Europe and reducing dependence on the United States.

About 83 percent of eligible voters took part in the election, the highest turnout since the reunification of Germany in 1990, Reuters reported.

The conservative coalition came out on top with 28.5 percent of the vote, while the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party finished second with 20.5 percent.

Ex-Chancellor Olaf Schulz's three-way coalition collapsed, paving the way for the Alternative for Germany party's historic rise to second position.

Friedrich Merz leader of the Christian Democrat Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU), promised to work towards achieving Europe’s “true independence” from the US.

Merz called for reducing Europe's defence reliance on the US. He emphasised: “My priority is to strengthen Europe in the shortest possible time so that we can achieve real independence from the US.”

He likened US intervention to Russian pressure, stressing the need for European unity to counter dual threats from the east and the west. He went on to ask if NATO would remain in its current form in the future.

Merz has begun to form a new government at a time when the Europe’s largest economy faces serious economic challenges, disputes over immigration issues and international pressure.

International reactions

There are mixed global reactions to Merz’s electoral win. US President Donald Trump wrote on The Truth Social: “Much like the USA, the people of Germany got tired of the no common sense agenda, especially on energy and immigration.”

French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Kier Starmer congratulated Merz and emphasised the importance of strengthening European defence and economic cooperation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also greeted him: “Europe must be able to defend itself, develop its industries and achieve the necessary results.”

Zelensky believed Merz’s victory could lead to greater unity in Europe.

aw/mud