Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Local Syrian sources to Al Mayadeen: Clashes between local fighters and Israeli occupation soldiers around the Maariyah barracks in the far western Daraa countryside.
Khatib: We will reveal the documents soon.
Khatib: The operation was carried out some time ago, but we preferred to delay announcing the news to ensure the operation’s safety.
Khatib: We are refraining from revealing the methods used to transfer the documents at this time.
Khatib: The methods used to transfer the documents into Iran are just as important as the documents themselves.
Minister Khatib: We obtained additional documents that enhance Iran’s offensive capabilities.
Minister Khatib: We obtained complete nuclear documents and documents concerning “Israel’s” relations with Western countries and the United States.
Minister Khatib: What we obtained is truly a highly important intelligence treasure, strategically, operationally, and practically.
Minister Khatib: What happened is a very significant intelligence event, and it cannot be reduced to merely obtaining thousands of documents.
Minister Khatib: The documents we acquired were safely transferred to Iran.

Germany’s election winner vows 'independence' from US: FT

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: The Financial Times
  • 24 Feb 2025 14:37
6 Min Read

Friedrich Merz stresses that the Trump administration shows little concern for Europe’s future.

Listen
  • x
  •  The top candidate for Chancellor, Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), right, and Bavaria Governor Markus Soeder wave to supporters at a party event in Brilon, Germany, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP)
    The top candidate for Chancellor, Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), right, and Bavaria Governor Markus Soeder wave to supporters at a party event in Brilon, Germany, on January 19, 2025. (AP)

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."

Related News

US should abandon Netanyahu's failed Iran policies: Ghalibaf

Iranian security minister reveals major intelligence haul on 'Israel'

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.

  • United States
  • AFD
  • Europe
  • Germany
  • Germany’s election
  • Ukraine war
  • Donald Trump

Most Read

The logo of the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence (wikidata)

Iran acquired thousands of sensitive Israeli documents: Exclusive

  • Politics
  • 7 Jun 2025
A Palestinian woman mourns as she embraces the body of her daughter Mayar Abu Odeh, 8, who was killed in an Israeli army strike on Gaza. at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (AP)

French port workers block arms shipment to 'Israel' amid Gaza genocide

  • Politics
  • 4 Jun 2025
New Syrian group claims Golan strike, vows resistance to 'Israel'

New Syrian group claims Golan strike, vows resistance to 'Israel'

  • Politics
  • 4 Jun 2025
Palestinians struggle to get donated food at a community kitchen in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Monday, June 2, 2025. (AP)

Boston Consulting Group withdraws from GHF

  • Palestine
  • 3 Jun 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
An aerial view shows sections of the columns in the ancient city of Palmyra, Syria, Saturday, January 25, 2025 (AP)
Arts and Culture

Syria’s ancient sites looted as artifacts flood online markets

Pope Leo XIV waves as arrives to celebrate a Mass for the Jubilee of New Religious Associations on Pentecost Day in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, on June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Politics

Pope Leo criticizes rise of nationalism, urges open borders and unity

Madleen ship faces Israeli threats as it approaches Gaza coast
Politics

Madleen ship faces Israeli threats as it approaches Gaza coast

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, right, arrives for the celebration of Republic Day in Rome, Friday, June 2, 2023 (AP)
Politics

Italy holds vote on citizenship, labor law reforms

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS