Berlin: Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has called for Europe to pursue “real independence from the United States” following his party’s success in the recent national election where the CDU secured 28.5% of the vote, emerging as the strongest political force, while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) made historic gains with 20.8%.
Despite the AfD’s surge, most mainstream German parties have ruled out any cooperation with the far-right group. The CDU is expected to approach the center-left Social Democrats (SPD) to form a coalition government.
In post-election remarks, Merz criticized what he described as “outrageous” statements from Washington, likening them to external interference often associated with Russia. This comes amid controversy sparked by tech mogul and Trump ally Elon Musk, who openly supported the AfD during the campaign — a move that drew widespread condemnation in Germany.
Merz outlined his vision for a stronger and more self-reliant Europe, stating that his primary goal would be reducing the continent’s dependence on the US. However, he clarified that the US remains a key partner in NATO, emphasizing the importance of transatlantic cooperation in defense. On economic matters, he stressed the need for Europe to present a united front in global trade discussions.
The CDU’s victory was welcomed by investors, leading to a market surge on hopes that a conservative-led government would prioritize efforts to revive Germany’s struggling economy. However, the new parliament’s composition could complicate policy-making, with the AfD and the far-left Left Party collectively holding one-third of the seats. This bloc has enough influence to block constitutional changes, including proposals to ease Germany’s strict borrowing limits — a measure some economists argue is crucial for economic recovery.
On immigration, Merz has vowed to adopt tougher policies, addressing a key issue that has fueled the AfD’s rise. Observers suggest the incoming coalition must act swiftly to tackle voter concerns and counter the far-right’s growing influence.
In a move likely to stir further debate, Merz extended an invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Germany. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu last year over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Dismissing the warrant as “absurd,” Merz assured that Germany would ensure Netanyahu’s safety during any visit.
