German Election Expected to Introduce New Chancellor and Coalition

Germany's recent general election has brought significant changes, with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) expected to take the lead under Friedrich Merz, who has adopted a more aggressive stance on immigration. The election has been characterized by concerns over mass migration and a struggling economy, exacerbated by external factors such as the war in Ukraine. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has also made notable gains, potentially complicating coalition-building efforts, as mainstream parties are unlikely to collaborate with them. Current Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democratic Party (SPD) faces a historic decline, with predictions suggesting they may secure only 16% of the vote. Coalition negotiations are anticipated to be prolonged, as forming a government will depend on aligning the CDU with either the SPD and Greens or the SPD and Free Democrats. Overall, the election results signal a potential return to a grand coalition reminiscent of Angela Merkel's era, amid a leadership vacuum in Europe.