BERLIN (Reuters) – Germany’s opposition conservatives won a national election on Sunday, putting leader Friedrich Merz on track to be the next chancellor while the far-right Alternative for Germany came in second on its best-ever result, projected results showed.
Following is international reaction to the results.
US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP ON TRUTH SOCIAL
“Much like the USA, the people of Germany got tired of the no common sense agenda, especially on energy and immigration, that has prevailed for so many years. This is a great day for Germany.”
FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON ON X
“I just spoke with Friedrich Merz to congratulate him on his victory in the German elections.
“I also had an exchange with Olaf Scholz to express my friendship on this evening.
“We are more determined than ever to achieve great things together for France and Germany and work towards a strong and sovereign Europe. In this time of uncertainty, we are united to face the major challenges of the world and our continent.”
BRITISH PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER
“Congratulations to Friedrich Merz and CDU/CSU for the results in Germany’s election.
“I look forward to working with the new government to deepen our already strong relationship, enhance our joint security and deliver growth for both our countries.”
UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY ON X
“I congratulate the CDU/CSU and Friedrich Merz on their victory in the Bundestag elections. A clear voice from the voters, and we see how important this is for Europe.
“We look forward to continuing our joint work with Germany to protect lives, bring real peace closer to Ukraine, and strengthen Europe.
“Europe must be able to defend itself, develop its industries, and achieve the necessary results. Europe needs shared successes, and those success will bring even greater unity to Europe.”
ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU ON X
“Congratulations to Friedrich Merz and CDU/CSU on their clear election victory today. Looking forward to working closely with your upcoming government to further strengthen the partnership between our two countries.”
NATO SECRETARY GENERAL MARK RUTTE ON X
“Congrats to Friedrich Merz on today’s election victory in Germany.
“Looking forward to working with you in this crucial moment for our shared security. It’s vital that Europe step up on defence spending and your leadership will be key.”
HERBERT KICKL, LEADER OF AUSTRIA’S FAR-RIGHT FREEDOM PARTY
“As of today, there is a gaping hole in the firewall of the parties of the system, which is really a wall of fear against the will of the people and of democratic change – caused by the hopes of people fed up with being patronised, with illegal mass immigration, and the Islamist terror and security chaos resulting from it, climate communism and the destruction of prosperity.
“Today, a gentle, soothing wind of the freedom of 1989 is blowing through Berlin and the entire Federal Republic.”
GREEK PRIME MINISTER KYRIAKOS MITSOTAKIS ON X
“A decisive victory for our political family, for Germany, and for Europe. Congratulations Friedrich Merz! One thing is clear: you will be Germany’s next chancellor.”
CZECH PRIME MINISTER PETR FIALA ON X
“Congratulations to Friedrich Merz and the CDU/CSU on winning the German elections. I wish you a lot of strength and success in forming the federal government. I look forward to the further deepening of Czech-German cooperation and joint work on a stronger Europe.”
MATTEO SALVINI, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER OF ITALY
“Change is winning in Germany too! AfD doubles its votes, despite attacks and lies from the left: stop illegal immigration and Islamic fanaticism, enough with the eco-madness, prioritize peace and jobs, Europe must be radically changed.
“Well done (AfD co-leader) Alice Weidel, keep it up!”
(Reporting by Reuters bureaux; Editing by Keith Weir, Giles Elgood, Will Dunham and Lisa Shumaker)
