Global Responses to Merz’s Election Amid Rising Far-Right Concerns

Friedrich Merz’s election as CDU leader has drawn congratulations from global leaders; however, concerns about the surge of the far-right AfD are significant. With Merz set to become Chancellor, he faces challenges including coalition-building and economic revitalization. Mixed reactions reflect a tension between support for the new government and caution regarding the rise of extremism.

Following Friedrich Merz’s election victory as leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Germany, global leaders extended their congratulations. However, there were also apprehensions regarding the significant rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which garnered 20.8 percent of the vote, marking its best performance yet.

As Merz prepares for the role of Chancellor, he faces substantial challenges, including coalition-building, stimulating economic growth, and addressing complex geopolitical landscapes.

Reactions from international leaders varied widely. European Council President Antonio Costa looks forward to collaborating with Merz to promote a more autonomous Europe. Kaja Kallas, EU’s High Representative, emphasized the urgency of forming a government to continue vital decisions requiring Germany’s contribution.

In the United States, President Donald Trump praised Merz’s victory, linking it to a broader trend of voters rejecting policies he deemed ineffective, particularly regarding immigration and energy. In Russia, the Kremlin maintained a cautious stance, expressing a desire to observe how the new leadership would approach bilateral relations.

French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated Merz, highlighting collaborative efforts towards a stronger Europe amidst uncertainty. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, supportive of the new administration, expressed eagerness to enhance partnerships for mutual growth and security.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the election outcome, perceiving it as a clear mandate from German voters. He emphasized the need for Europe to strengthen its defenses and industries amid ongoing conflicts.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte congratulated Merz, underscoring the importance of leadership in security matters, and urged a focus on defense spending. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also congratulated the CDU, expressing a desire to strengthen ties between the countries.

Contrastingly, some leaders highlighted the AfD’s success, indicating a significant shift in German politics. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban congratulated the AfD, acknowledging the call for change. Similarly, Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini viewed the results as vindication for the far-right agenda, emphasizing the need to address immigration and economic issues.

Herbert Kickl, leader of Austria’s far-right Freedom Party, remarked that the election results indicated a crack in the perceived barriers against the AfD’s rise. He cited societal fatigue with current policies as a contributing factor to the electoral shift.

Jewish organizations responded with concern over the AfD’s gains, with Josef Schuster, head of Germany’s Central Council of Jews, expressing dismay at the electoral outcome, which he deemed reflective of alarming right-wing extremism. Schuster articulated the broader societal implications of such support.

The international reaction to Friedrich Merz’s election victory reveals a mixture of cautious optimism and concern. While many leaders are eager to work with the new Chancellor, the significant rise of the far-right AfD party has stirred apprehensions about Germany’s political landscape and its future direction. The responses highlight the nuances of global diplomacy and the challenges that lie ahead for the German government.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com