Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU and the next German chancellor is aiming for a grand coalition with the Social Democrats of the SPD. Clearly, this joint venture is intended to secure a stable government for the German people, a German people who showed up at the polls with a record turnout of 84%.
The Alternative for the Germany (known to most by its acronym AFD) has consolidated itself as the second largest party in Germany, totalling over 20% of the preferences of German voters. Merz, legitimately intimidated by this exploit of the ultra-right, has invited the parties belonging to the German democratic centre to find common ground.
Merz also had the opportunity to indicate which issues will be a priority for the new government. First of all, issues concerning foreign policy and the security.
Fundamental will be the recoding of the relationship between Europe and the United States, in the era of Trumpism 2.0. Even if the Chancellor expressed the hope that the decline of interest in Europe announced several times by the Trump administration will not materialize.
Secondly, it will be essential for Merz's executive to deal with immigration and the economy. Outgoing Chancellor Scholz, for his part, did not hide his undoubted bitterness over the electoral result achieved by the SPD. The SPD obtained just 16% of electoral preferences.
Luca DeCrescenzo
Article published on 24 February 2025 - 21:42
The article talks about the political situation in Germany and how Merz wants to work with the SPD. It is important that the parties find an agreement for the good of the country. Even if there are differences, dialogue is always essential to move forward.