(Based on Reuters Report):
After winning the most votes in Germany’s national election, the conservative party led by Friedrich Merz is pushing for quick talks to form a new government.
The far-right and far-left parties also gained support, showing many voters are unhappy with the current situation. Germany, Europe’s biggest economy, faces challenges like migration debates, security concerns with the U.S., Russia, and China, and a divided society.
The conservatives (CDU/CSU) won 28.5% of the vote, while the far-right AfD came in second with 20.8%, their best result ever. However, mainstream parties refuse to work with the AfD due to its extremist ties.
The AfD and the far-left party now hold enough seats to block changes to Germany’s constitution, which could affect plans to ease debt rules or boost defense spending. Both parties also oppose sending military aid to Ukraine.
Merz, who has never held office before, wants a new government in place by Easter. He criticized the U.S. for its “outrageous” comments during the campaign and stressed the need for Europe to become more independent from America.
Meanwhile, the Social Democrats (SPD), who came in third with their worst result since World War II, are open to talks but warn that joining a coalition isn’t guaranteed.
One big issue is Germany’s “debt brake,” a rule limiting government borrowing. Critics say it hurts the economy, and Merz has hinted he might reform it.
The good news for Merz is that he won’t need support from the Greens, who won 11.6%, to form a majority. A new left-wing party, BSW, just missed the 5% threshold needed to enter parliament, making coalition math easier.
Analysts say the next government must act fast to address voter concerns and counter the growing influence of the AfD. If not, the AfD could become even stronger by the next election in 2029.
Industry leaders and European diplomats hope the new government will provide stronger leadership and work better with other countries than the previous coalition, which collapsed last year.
This summary is based on a Reuters report and simplifies complex political developments for easier understanding.