#german elections merz

[bbcnewsplus]

Markets relieved by German election result, but key industries remain mired in uncertainty

Germany’s election result delivered a jolt of optimism to lackluster markets at the start of the week, though the question of whether the new government can deliver promised higher public spending and reboot the economy continues to hang over the country’s beleaguered major industries.

Frankfurt’s DAX index gained 0.6% Monday, outpacing a flat U.K. FTSE 100 and 0.78% loss for France’s CAC 40, while the euro nudged higher against the U.S. dollar and British pound and German borrowing costs were little-changed.

Sunday’s vote delivered a victory for the conservative alliance of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU).

See more

[notajoinerofthings]

My colleague greeted me with Die Amerikaner haben mir jetzt schon den Tag versaut at 7:30 this morning, and I can't believe the German government was like hold my beer

[allpromarlo]

friedrich merz 6’5 he should’ve hooped instead of terrorizing us all

[dead-salmon]

hate scholz but this was smart

[shadowfaxgeraet-245]

Bruder, ich wünschte, Politik könnte mir egal sein.

Ich hasse, dass meine Gesundheitsversorgung und mein komplettes fucking Leben davon abhängen, wer regiert.

Ich will mich mit der ganzen Scheiße nicht beschäftigen. Aber ich hab Angst.

Ich hab Angst, dass Anfang April meine Namensänderung nicht durchgeht, weil die CDU das SBGG abschaffen will.

Ich hab Angst, dass ich mich dann wieder nur für "m" oder "w" entscheiden kann und nicht sein kann, wer ich bin.

Ich hab Angst, dass ich meine Mastek nicht bekomme.

Ich bin am Überlegen, mein Testo abzusetzen bevor krasse Veränderungen kommen, weil ich Angst habe, dass Leute auf der Straße ein Problem mit mir haben könnten.

Aber die links grün versifften haben ja keine echten Probleme. Sure.

EDIT:

Ich geb nicht auf.

Und Ihr alle auch nicht.

Listen, ja es suckt hart aber wir stehen das durch.

Seid ihr selbst. Seid bunt. Zusammen schaffen wir das.

Lasst euch nicht unterkriegen.

Ich lieb euch.💗

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Marco Margaritoff at HuffPost:

Elon Musk, already set to join the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump as an outside adviser, is now also sticking his head into Germany’s upcoming elections. The billionaire entrepreneur endorsed the country’s far-right party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), on social media on Friday. “Only the AfD can save Germany,” Musk wrote on X, the social media platform he acquired in 2022. Musk made that comment in response to a video from far-right activist Naomi Seibt, in which she slammed Friedrich Merz, who leads the Christian Democratic Union of Germany party (CDU) and is reportedly leading in the polls to become Germany’s next chancellor. Seibt claimed in her post that Merz “is horrified by the idea that Germany should follow Elon Musk’s and [Argentinian President] Javier Milei’s example” of reforming the country with drastic public spending cuts. [...] In September, the AfD became the first far-right party to win a state election in Germany since World War II. Its leader in Thuringia, Björn Höcke, was convicted for the second time in July for knowingly using a Nazi slogan, “Everything for Germany,” at a political event. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) shared his outrage about Musk’s endorsement Friday on X, writing: “The out of touch billionaire running the incoming Trump Administration announced last night that he enthusiastically supports the neo-Nazi party in Germany. WTF. NONE OF THIS OK, EVERYONE. NONE OF THIS IS NORMAL.”

On the same day a far-right ex-Muslim AfD adherent caused a terrorist attack in Magdeburg, Germany, right-wing extremist Elon “Apartheid Clyde” Musk declared support for the Neo-Nazi/far-right Alternative für Deutschland party in the upcoming German elections.

[decadentpostnacho]

Germany has voted.

It’s the year 2025, just a few months before the next scheduled election, but here we are—voting early. Why? Because the three-party coalition in the German parliament, fragile from the outset, finally collapsed at the end of last year, leaving the government in a state of political paralysis.

A Brief Digression on the Previous Legislative Period (Feel Free to Skip)

After more than a decade of CDU/CSU (Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union) dominance, the 2021 federal election saw the SPD (Social Democrats) emerge as the strongest party, largely due to pandemic-induced dissatisfaction. Since continuing the GroKo (the grand coalition of CDU + SPD) was no longer palatable to the electorate, the SPD—by the way, a party that already existed as a workers' movement during the Nazi era before it was swiftly banned by the Enabling Act—teamed up with two other parties:

The Greens (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen): Ostensibly dedicated to climate and environmental protection, yet somehow always finding ways to funnel billions into lobbying for Rheinmetall (the arms industry) while simultaneously approving a reception station for American fracking gas off the picturesque coast of Rügen. Fracking gas ≠ environmental protection, in case anyone missed that. Also, fun fact: since its completion, the terminal has been running at single-digit capacity (oops). Did the Greens push this policy alone? No. Were they enthusiastic supporters? Absolutely. Did the people of Rügen like it? Not so much. But despite protests and petitions, a gas terminal now looms off the shores of Sassnitz.

The FDP (Free Democrats): A party that once thrived in West Germany under the motto "the market will regulate itself", effectively acting as a centrist force when there were only three major parties (ah, the simplicity). However, in reality, they mainly represent the top ten percent—those who believe in capitalism the way medieval peasants believed in divine right. Their voter base? The wealthy and those who think they’re wealthy but mostly just fear losing what little they have.

Despite their historic (for them) results in 2021, resentment soon grew due to prolonged coalition negotiations and a legislative period that, let’s be honest, wasn't exactly a triumph. (Side note: much like in the U.S., few people seem to grasp that not every government decision has immediate consequences. Many of the failures attributed to this coalition were actually set in motion by the CDU before they left office—but nobody wants to hear that.)

And So, the 2025 Election Happened

With rising discontent and a steady stream of one-sided media coverage, it was easy for right-wing populists to capitalize on public frustration. And capitalize they did: the far-right AfD (great experiences with them in Germany before—sarcasm!) achieved record-breaking results. In Eastern Germany, nearly one in two voters backed them (which, before anyone says anything, has nothing to do with former GDR citizens being stupid). In the West, support ranged from one in three to one in five.

And the winner? Drum roll.

The CDU/CSU. Because after all, when in doubt, just go back to what you know.

The CDU has recently distinguished itself with its own brand of fear-mongering and racism—because, surprise, that rhetoric appeals not just to Eastern voters but also to the aging conservative base in the West, who, despite their Christian values, seem to have very little interest in charity. Shocking.

Meanwhile, the SPD hit a record low, the Greens lost a few percentage points, and the AfD secured the second-highest vote count.

Any Good News?

Actually, yes.

The formerly struggling Left Party (Die Linke) managed to recover, despite losing a quarter of its members when a very charismatic ex-member decided to start what is essentially a cult masquerading as a political party (her motto: it doesn’t matter what it is, as long as we’re against it). The Left Party reached nearly 9% nationwide—not exactly a revolution, but enough to ensure a strong leftist opposition.

Said cult? Didn’t make it into the Bundestag. They are now planning legal action to challenge the election results, which is very on-brand.

The FDP failed to pass the 5% threshold, meaning no more capitalist fat cats representing the top ten percent in major political positions. Oh no.

A single representative from a Silesian-Danish minority party secured a seat in parliament—one less seat for the AfD. No complaints there.

What Now?

The CDU leads as the strongest party, followed by the AfD, SPD, Greens, and the Left.

Who will govern?

Since even the right-wing CDU still draws the line at openly neo-Nazi affiliations, the AfD will not be part of the government (though they will be the largest opposition party, which… isn’t great). Meanwhile, the CDU refuses to govern with the Greens or the Left, so—guess what—it looks like we’re getting another GroKo (CDU + SPD).

Remind me—wasn’t this exactly what the voters wanted to avoid?

Who will be chancellor?

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce…

Oh. Wait.

Yes, that's the one.

Friedrich Merz (CDU). A man who once voted against criminalizing marital rape, who doesn’t get along too well with non-Germans, and who, despite being in a Christian party, seems to lack the whole compassion aspect of Christianity.

What was his first move after winning the election? Ignoring a ruling by the International Court of Justice and personally assuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that, despite the arrest warrant against him for war crimes, Germany would find a way to let him visit and leave without consequence. A lovely little reminder of how much Merz cares about the Palestinian people, who have been suffering for decades under Israel’s regime.

Final Thoughts

If any Americans, or anyone at all, were considering fleeing to Germany—don’t. It’s no better here. The political spectrum continues shifting further to the right, and somehow, advocating for basic human rights is now considered radical.

We are tired.

[littlebigmouse]

Noo don't make Mr. Burns the next german chancellor, you're so sexy haha...

[the-lokal-homo]

Sorry for all the german posts right now, but I'm scared for this country, and all the people living in it 🤗 wtf CDU, fuck you Merz, you are no better than fucking afd. Fucking fascists, fucking naz¡s. Fuck this fucking shit.

[actual-changeling]

still can't believe that the USA are getting involved in OUR national politics like what the fuck do you think you're doing befriending the AfD to blackmail us into letting the fascists rule. how is that even. a sentence.

the result of this election is going to have global consequences and except for us Germans no one seems to know about it let alone talk about it. if this turns out bad y'all will suffer just as much as we will so maybe like. some awareness of European politics would be a good idea. just to know what the hell is going on.

[channeledhistory]

Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, said U.S. tech billionaire Elon Musk should be prepared to face consequences for meddling in the German election campaign if he takes office. [...] When asked whether any government response post election could affect Tesla’s gigafactory near Berlin, Merz said: “I am deliberately leaving the consequences open for now.” The authorities also needed to look into whether Musk’s support for the AfD qualified as an illegal party donation, Merz said, something transparency organizations had previously hinted at. [...]

[lunadreamsdespondently]

Early results

[becauseallhellseeisme]

Saw this poster by German political party Die Partei ("The Party") yesterday.

It reads "Merz attacks!" with the subtitle "Das Ding aus der Mittelschicht" (The thing from the middle class), which is a reference to Friedrich Merz, the CDU candidate, who once stated that he is part of the middle class. While having a long history of lobby work and owning a private jet.

[head-post]

CDU’s Merz looks set to be next chancellor, AfD surges

The leader of the CDU/CSU alliance, Friedrich Merz, who will become Germany’s new chancellor according to preliminary results of the German election, intends to form a new government by Easter.

Merz said during his speech: “We have almost eight weeks left until Easter, and I think this should be enough time to form a government in Germany.”

According to election commission data from the counting of ballots in 267 out of 299 constituencies, the CDU/CSU is leading the German election with 28.5 per cent of the vote, while the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) comes second with 20.9 per cent. The SPD is in third place with 16.4 per cent.

AfD candidate for chancellor Alice Weidel called her party’s victory a “historic success” and said she was ready to discuss coalition formation.

As the results show, the states that were formerly part of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) voted strongly for the right-wing party: the AfD received almost 39 per cent in Thuringia, over 37 per cent in Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt, over 35 per cent in McLenburg, and over 32 per cent in Brandenburg.

Merz, who has previously maintained close relations with the US, criticised Washington for interfering in the election, calling it “absolutely outrageous.” He said his main goal was to achieve unity in Europe and make it more independent of the US.

Despite the criticism, Donald Trump congratulated Merz on his victory, saying Germans are tired of unwise policies, especially on energy and immigration. However, Merz believes that Trump has already shown that his administration does not care about Europe.

Merz’s first statements

Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz plans to form a new German government after early elections to the Bundestag before the Catholic Easter, which is celebrated on April 20. He believes the remaining eight weeks are enough time to do so.

Merz ruled out the possibility of a coalition with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AdG) party. He noted that there are serious differences between the parties on foreign policy and security issues.

At the same time, AfD co-chair Tino Chrupalla said Merz could only realise some of his election promises with their help. If Merz decides to team up with the losing parties, it could lead to new elections sooner than four years from now.

Merz also said that sending European troops to Ukraine is not on the agenda. He believes that more support should be given to Ukraine in its defence.

Merz supports supplying Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, unlike Scholz. He had earlier promised to give Russia 24 hours to stop strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure or else it would start supplying missiles. However, Merz later said that he had not made any ultimatums.

Voice from Europe

Former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont wrote on X:

“Without wishing to downplay them, the results of the AfD, which actually doubled its representation, do not match the assistance they received and the expectations they created. They received public support from the United States and the richest man in the world and his algorithms; they imposed their political agenda in the campaign (security, immigration); and they were the potential political beneficiaries of the Islamist attacks of recent weeks…”

Italian journalist and activist Maurizio Belpietro commented on X:

“In the German elections, the CDU/CSU leads, the SPD suffers a dramatic collapse, while Alice Weidel’s group doubles its votes. A non-electoral opening to migrants to ‘help’ the economy was crucial.”

The French Les Républicains party’s François-Xavier Bellamy wrote on X:

“The CDU-CSU won a convincing victory in Germany tonight. This is the result of the clarifications made by @_FriedrichMerz on security, border protection, economic freedom, return to nuclear power. This renewed right-wing movement is winning everywhere in Europe.”

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, LFI leader, noted:

“In Germany, the politics of the centre-left PS EELV party led to the usual disaster: the victory of the far right and the breakthrough of the extreme right. By aligning itself with anti-racist and anti-liberal politics, Die Linke doubles its score and returns to the big stage. The future becomes possible again.”

Read more HERE

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Deborah Gole at The Guardian:

The conservative opposition has won the most votes in Germany’s general election, but a dramatic surge by the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is likely to complicate the formation of a government to help spearhead a European response to growing global threats. The CDU/CSU candidate, Friedrich Merz, was preparing on Sunday night to try to form a ruling coalition after clinching almost 29% of the vote from a high turnout. “I’d like to express my respect for our political rivals,” he said, referring to fellow centrists. “It was a very tough campaign. “Now we need to talk to each other and as quickly as possible form a government for Germany that can take action so that we can do the right thing at home, be present again in Europe and make sure the world sees that Germany again has a reliable government. The AfD, buoyed by anger about immigration, violent crime and high energy costs, got about 21% of the vote – finishing second and nearly doubling its result at the last election in 2021. The party’s jubilant chancellor candidate and co-leader, Alice Weidel, cheered the outcome with AfD officials including the extremist firebrand Björn Höcke, who has been convicted of using the banned Nazi slogan “Alles für Deutschland” (Everything for Germany) in campaign speeches. “This is a historic success for us – our best result ever,” Weidel told the broadcaster ARD. “We extend our hand to offer cooperation with the CDU. Otherwise change won’t be possible in Germany.” All the mainstream parties, however, have pledged to maintain a “firewall” barring formal cooperation with the anti-migrant, pro-Kremlin AfD, which attracted high-profile endorsements from Donald Trump’s confidant, Elon Musk, and the US vice-president, JD Vance, during the short, intense campaign. Trump hailed the election’s outcome. “Much like the USA, the people of Germany got tired of the no-common-sense agenda, especially on energy and immigration,” he wrote in a post on Truth Social. “This is a great day for Germany.” But Merz struck a blunt tone, saying Trump had made it “clear that [his] government is fairly indifferent to Europe’s fate” and that Germany would have to wait to see “whether we will still be able to speak about Nato in its current form” when the alliance meets for its next summit in June. “For me, the absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that, step by step, we can really achieve independence from the USA” in defence matters, Merz said.

Elon Musk and J.D. Vance’s open cheerleading for the far-right Nazi-like Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) has backfired in Germany, as center-right Union (CDU/CSU) became the lead party in the Bundestag. The AfD, however, became the 2nd biggest party, with a big seat jump (mainly in the former East Germany).

The SPD fell to 3rd, and will likely form a GroKo with the CDU/CSU. Die Linke got a big boost to become the 5th biggest party. The Greens (B90/DG) fell to 4th.

Neither the BSW (Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht) nor the FDF (Freie Demokratische Partei) cleared the 5% threshold, but the BSW came agonizingly close to having its seats in the Bundestag.

[hummussexual]

Significantly, the forthcoming chancellor put Donald Trump's America on a par with Russia - widely viewed here as a security threat to Europe more broadly. "We are under such massive pressure from two sides that my absolute priority now really is to create unity in Europe," Merz said. -- New German Leader Signals Seismic Shift in Transatlantic Relations.