World leaders congratulated Friedrich Merz, head of the Democratic Christian Union (CDU), for winning the German elections.
However, while applause arrived, others focused on the sharp increase in the extreme right while the alternative for Germany (AFD) celebrated its best performance in the ballot box at 20.8% and finished second .
Merz, on the right track to become the next Chancellor, is now faced with the delicate challenge of building a coalition government, returning the greatest economy in Europe to the growth and navigation of a complex geopolitical situation.
Here are some of the most notable international reactions:
European Union
The president of the European Council, Antonio Costa, said that he is impatiently waiting to work with Merz to make a more prosperous and “autonomous” Europe in difficult times.
The high representative of the European Union Kaja Kallas urged the rapid training of a new government: “The German people have made a choice, and now they must assemble the government. I hope they do it as quickly as possible because we really have to continue the decisions also at the European level which require German participation. »»
UNITED STATES
President Donald Trump praised the victory of the German curator, but especially what he considered his own role in computer science, with an article on all caps on his account on social networks.
“Like the United States, the inhabitants of Germany have tired of the No Common Sense agenda, in particular energy and immigration, which has been prevailing for so many years,” said the post .
“It’s a big day for Germany and for the United States of America under the direction of a gentleman named Donald J Trump. Congratulations to everyone – Many more victories to follow !!! »»
France
President Emmanuel Macron said he spoke with Merz and congratulated him, adding that Paris was determined to work with Germany to a stronger Europe.
“In this period of uncertainty, we are united to face the great challenges of the world and our continent,” he said on X.
United Kingdom
Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated Merz and the CDU on X, saying that he is looking forward to “working with the new government to deepen our already strong relationship, improve our joint security and offer growth for our two countries”.
Ukraine
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the results have marked a “clear choice of voters” in Germany and kyiv is ready to work to protect lives, bring peace and strengthen Europe during the war with Russia.
“Europe must be able to defend itself, develop its industries and obtain the necessary results. Europe needs common success and these successes will bring an even greater unit to Europe. »»
NATO
Secretary General Mark Rutte congratulated Merz, saying he can’t wait to work with him “in this crucial moment for our shared security”.
“It is essential that Europe intensifies defense spending, and your leadership will be essential.”
Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated the alliance between the CDU and his Bavarian brother party, the Christian social union, on a “clear electoral victory” in an article on social networks.
“Looking forward to working in close collaboration with your next government to further strengthen the partnership between our two countries,” he told the new leaders of one of the closest allies in Israel in Europe.
Some leaders, however, have chosen to focus on the success of AFD.
Hungary
Prime Minister Viktor Orban refrained from congratulating the winning alliance and rather praised the extreme right.
“The inhabitants of Germany voted for the change in immense number,” he wrote on X. “I want to congratulate [chancellor candidate] Alice Weidel on the double of the AFD of votes. Good luck and may God bless Germany!
Italy
The point of view of the Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini was that the change gains in Germany after the significant increase in the seats on the far right.
“AFD doubles its votes, despite the attacks and lies of the left: to stop illegal immigration and Islamic fanaticism, sufficiently with eco-madness, prioritize peace and jobs, Europe must be radically changed “He said in an article on X.
Austria
The chief of the far-right party of Austria’s freedom, Herbert Kickl said that the result had left a “huge hole” in the “firewall” erected to keep AFD out of power.
People “no longer want to bear paternalism, illegal mass immigration, Islamist terror and resulting security chaos, climate communism and the destruction of prosperity,” he said.
The Jewish groups, on the other hand, expressed the alarm that the far right had made such gains.
The head of the central council of the Jews of Germany, Josef Schuster, expressed his shock, saying to the Welt newspaper: “Although this result is expected, according to the polls, I am also shocked this evening by the electoral success of the ‘AFD, who, who has doubled his share of the vote in just three years. »»
“This should concern us all that a fifth of the German voters voted for a party which is at least partly extremist of the right, which, in the two words and the ideology, has links with right -wing extremism and neonazism “He added.
