Merz Expected to Form Coalition Government After Election Victory

Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is poised to become Germany's next chancellor following a significant electoral victory where the CDU/CSU bloc secured 28.5% of the vote. This election resulted in a historic defeat for outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the Social Democrats (SPD), who garnered only 16.5%, their worst result since World War II. As coalition negotiations begin, Merz aims to form a government potentially involving the SPD, despite the challenges posed by the rise of far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the Left Party. He emphasized the urgency of establishing a functioning government amidst pressing global issues and economic challenges. The political landscape remains volatile, with mainstream parties rejecting coalition with the AfD, thereby complicating the coalition talks. Merz's victory marks a significant shift in German politics, potentially steering the country toward a more independent European foreign policy.