World Leaders Welcome Germany’s New Leadership

Germany’s opposition conservatives won a national election on Sunday, putting leader Friedrich Merz on track to be the next chancellor while the far-right Alternative for Germany came in second on its best-ever result, projected results showed.

This victory has elicited widespread reactions from world leaders.

Donald Trump, the President of the United States, reacted to this result by saying: “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. This is a great day for Germany.”

 “I just spoke with Friedrich Merz to congratulate him on his victory in the German elections. We are more determined than ever to achieve great things together for France and Germany and work towards a strong and sovereign Europe,” French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also congratulated Mertz and emphasized the importance of close cooperation between London and Berlin

 “I look forward to working with the new government to deepen our already strong relationship, enhance our joint security, and deliver growth for both our countries,” Starmer stated.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, highlighted the importance of Berlin-Kyiv relations and wrote on X: “I congratulate the CDU/CSU and Friedrich Merz on their victory in the Bundestag elections. We look forward to continuing our joint work with Germany to protect lives, bring real peace closer to Ukraine, and strengthen Europe.”  

Mark Rutte, the Secretary General of NATO, also congratulated Mertz on his victory and emphasized the importance of defense cooperation between Germany and NATO.

“Congrats to Friedrich Merz on today’s election victory in Germany. Looking forward to working with you in this crucial moment for our shared security. It’s vital that Europe step up on defence spending and your leadership will be key,” Mark Rutte wrote on X.

The German federal election that led to Friedrich Merz’s victory took place in a politically turbulent time for Germany. The election followed years of shifting voter sentiment, economic uncertainty, and growing dissatisfaction with the ruling coalition led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the Social Democratic Party.