The Guardian view on Germany’s election result: Merz’s task is formidable | Editorial
andRiedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union Party in the center in Germany (CDU), has a good reputation. On Sunday evening, when it became clear that CDU had it beat The sudden elections that resulted in the outgoing social democratic advisor, Olaf Schuls, did not disappoint your property. “For me, the absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe as soon as possible so that we can achieve independence from the United States,” said Mr. Mirz in a post -election television discussion.
Recently, two weeks ago, it was unreasonable such as a German advisor. But these are new and unusual times. convinced TransatlanticistMr. Mirz previously photographed the risks in front of the Western unit offered by Donald Trump. But the raw elections on behalf of the extreme right -wing alternative for Deutfand (AFD) by the US President JuniorThe bodies of Europe and Kiev forced negotiations on the future of Ukraine, by operating the handbraft.
For the European Union, as it seeks Enhance Its strategic independence in a new era and full of challenges, this is good news. For Ukraine, I need strong support from the United Europe, steadfast Mr. Mirz Support It also provides the reason for hope. The newly shocking leadership will be one of the most powerful member state of the European Union in a more threatening global context.
At the local level, the causes of optimism are thinner on the ground. As Mr. Mirz Recognized On Monday, the weekend survey revealed a dangerous country – which is a historical weak center while the extreme right continues to rise, especially in east. A very high percentage of turnout, double its vote To 21 %. The common result of CDU and its Bavarian brother party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), was 29 % – the second lowest level since 1949. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) has the worst result after the war, to the third and misery 16 %.
Mr. Mirz has pledged to preserve the protection wall except for the far right of power, and the new Bundestag composition indicates a party alliance with SPD. This can welcome the welcome to CDU efforts To APE AFD positions on immigration policy. Instead of prolonging unsuccessful attempts to assemble the extreme right, Germany will be in the other direction in the economy.
The CDU leader made him heard in the 1990s as free marketing in the small country in the Ronald Reagan template. However, as a consultant, he will inherit a severe economy in urgent need of a huge government investment, while the pressure to raise defense spending is also sharp. the Business model This depends on cheap Russian energy and Chinese demand for exports. His repair may require pressure for him Constitutional reform To allow the state to borrow and spend more – a curse for many in the Mr. Mirz party.
On Sunday, one in five German voters chose to this party Support The forced repetition of migrants was associated with new Nazi dogs. Fmethous, AFD got great support among young people and non -trainees. Behind the wall of protection, the AFD leader, Alice Widel, can put herself as the leader of the Trump government to wait. The following administration must try to restore confidence in Germany’s traditions after the war in building consensus and moderation. The risks can hardly be higher.
