Breakingviews - Merz’s Victory Opens New Era of German Uncertainty
Friedrich Merz will be the next chancellor of Germany, but his conservative alliance received only 29% of the vote, leaving him with little chance to form a government without the social democrats. The European Union's powerhouse will remain without a proper government in a heated geopolitical context, just as its economy is entering its third year of crisis. Merz has long pushed for continued support for Ukraine and increased defense budgets, but his plans may be complicated by the rise of insurgent parties.
- This victory signals a new era of German politics, where traditional center-ground parties are being challenged by the emergence of right-wing populist forces and ideological purists.
- How will Merkel's successor navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries between old guard social democrats, left-wing insurgents, and far-right populists to achieve any semblance of stability in the coming years?