Germany’s Friedrich Merz has vowed to act swiftly to unite Europe and push for "independence" from the United States after his center-right bloc emerged victorious in the federal elections, The Financial Times reported.

In a vote that saw Germany shift to the right, Merz’s Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) secured 28.5% on Sunday, requiring at least one coalition partner to form a working parliamentary majority.

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) made historic gains, doubling its share to around 21%—its highest-ever result, as per the report. Meanwhile, the liberal Free Democrats and the far-left Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) failed to meet the threshold to enter the Bundestag, effectively strengthening the influence of larger parties.

Merz now has the possibility of forming a two-party coalition with outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), though with only a slim majority. However, the strong performances of both the AfD and the left-wing Die Linke could constrain his ability to push through key investments, including boosting defense spending.

Just hours after the polls closed, Merz insisted that Germany must fundamentally rethink its security framework and reduce its long-standing dependence on Washington. He argued that President Donald Trump was "largely indifferent" to Europe’s future, underscoring the need for a shift in Germany’s strategic approach.

Merz pushes for European autonomy amid Trump’s indifference to EU security

Merz emphasized his commitment to strengthening Europe’s autonomy, stating, "I am in close contact with many prime ministers—heads of government of the EU. And it must be an absolute priority to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that, step by step, we actually achieve independence from the USA."

Reflecting on recent geopolitical shifts, he added, "I wouldn’t have thought I’d have to say something like that . . . But after Donald Trump’s statements, it is clear that the Americans, at least this American government, are largely indifferent to the fate of Europe."

Merz stressed the urgency of forming a government swiftly, given the pressing challenges facing both Germany and the broader European continent. "The world will not wait for us," he warned.

Following the election results, markets reacted positively. The euro initially climbed by as much as 0.7% before settling 0.3% higher at $1.0484, while Germany’s benchmark DAX index saw a 0.7% gain in early Frankfurt trading.

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, echoed the need for rapid political stability, telling reporters on Monday, "I hope Merz is able to form a government as fast as possible, as we really need to move on with decisions at the European level which requires German participation."

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Merz also expressed uncertainty about NATO’s future and criticized Washington’s involvement in the German election process, likening it to foreign interference. He pointed to the Trump administration’s overt engagement with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and its condemnation of Germany’s mainstream parties for refusing to work with a faction that has "flirted with Nazi-era slogans, urged an end to sanctions on Russia, and called for mass deportations of migrants."

In recent weeks, Trump has unsettled European leaders by engaging directly with Russia on potential resolutions for the war in Ukraine while threatening to withdraw US security commitments from the continent. Germany remains home to the largest contingent of American troops stationed in Europe.

Trump weighed in on Germany’s election outcome on Sunday, asserting that the results demonstrated how "the people of Germany got tired of the no common sense agenda, especially on energy and immigration, that has prevailed for so many years."

Merz faces a tough path ahead as Germany shifts right

Merz has limited choices and will likely have to form a coalition with the SPD, which secured just over 16% of the vote—its worst performance since 1887. However, he avoided the more complex scenario of requiring multiple coalition partners, a prospect that had concerned party strategists, as per the report.

The Greens, who were disappointed with their underwhelming result of less than 12%, failed to gain enough seats to serve as an alternative partner to the SPD.

The election outcome represents a significant shift to the right in Germany, driven in part by rising anti-immigrant sentiment.

Voter turnout surged to its highest level since German reunification in 1990, reaching 84%, according to exit poll data.

Merz will take charge of an economy that has endured two years of stagnation due to high energy prices and increasing competition from China. The CDU leader has pledged to push through reforms, reignite economic growth, and strengthen Germany’s role within Europe.

However, the strong performances of the AfD and Die Linke mean they hold enough seats to block efforts to amend the "debt brake," which restricts government borrowing. This could make it harder for Merz’s government to modernize infrastructure and significantly boost defense spending.

Holger Schmieding, an economist at Berenberg Bank, said as quoted by Financial Times that "Merz could be a chancellor with little fiscal space."

Alice Weidel, co-leader of the AfD, celebrated her party’s surge, which saw it double its vote share from 2021—marking the largest far-right gains in Germany since World War II.

"We have led a magnificent campaign," Weidel declared, emphasizing that the AfD was open to coalition talks with the CDU/CSU to fulfill "the will of the people."

Meanwhile, Scholz acknowledged "a bitter result" for the SPD and signaled that he would likely withdraw from frontline politics.