Friedrich Merz Set to Lead Germany Amid Shifting Political Landscape
The CDU/CSU claims victory in federal elections as Merz prepares to navigate challenges from a rising far-right and strained transatlantic ties.
- Friedrich Merz's CDU/CSU coalition secured 29% of the vote in Sunday's federal elections, positioning him to become Germany's next chancellor.
- Merz faces a complicated political environment, with the far-right AfD doubling its vote share to 20.8%, becoming the main opposition party and dominating in former East Germany.
- The AfD's success highlights lingering economic disparities, demographic shifts, and regional frustrations tied to Germany's reunification and immigration policies.
- Merz, a staunch transatlanticist, must contend with shifting U.S.-EU relations, as European leaders grow wary of the Trump administration's approach to NATO and Ukraine.
- Amid criticism of his populist rhetoric and alignment with far-right immigration policies, Merz aims to redefine Germany's leadership role within a fragile European Union.
l'Opinion 
Le Point 
Le Journal du Dimanche 
L'Express Le Point 
Le Monde Le Point Le Point Le Point 
Courrier International 
Sud Ouest 
POLITICO l'Opinion Sud Ouest l'Opinion 
Marianne Sud Ouest 
L'Humanité l'Opinion 
FranceSoir Marianne 
Libération 
Ouest-France 
Le Nouvel Obs Ouest-France Marianne Sud Ouest Courrier International l'Opinion l'Opinion Marianne Sud Ouest L'Express Ouest-France Le Point l'Opinion L'Express Sud Ouest 
Le Figaro L'Express Le Nouvel Obs l'Opinion Libération L'Express 
Atlantico L'Express Sud Ouest L'Express Le Nouvel Obs Sud Ouest Courrier International Le Point Le Figaro Le Figaro Sud Ouest Ouest-France Le Figaro Libération Le Point Le Figaro L'Humanité l'Opinion l'Opinion Le Point Le Nouvel Obs L'Humanité Le Nouvel Obs 