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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Many world leaders, especially in Europe, have congratulated Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), on his victory in the German national election on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
Besides Merz's victory, some have also focused on the rise of the right-wing. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, supported by Elon Musk, celebrated its best performance in opinion polls with 20.8 percent.
For the first time since World War II, a right-wing party is in second place in a German national election. This result will place them outside of the government but as a formidable opponent for the ruling parties, Reuters reported.
AfD, which has changed since it was founded in 2013 from a party of libertarian economists to an anti-immigrant and pro-Russia group, is estimated to have won the support of one-in-five Germans.
Here are some international reactions compiled by Al Jazeera and Reuters:
European Union
European Council President Antonio Costa hopes to work with Merz to create a more prosperous and "autonomous" Europe in challenging times.
European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas urged the swift formation of a new government. Kallas said Germany needed to form a new government as the Germans had made their choice. She hopes Germany could participate in decisions at the European level as soon as possible.
United States
President Donald Trump praised the conservative victory in Germany, but mostly attributed it to his role, in a post on his social media account.
Trump wrote Germans are tired of no common sense agendas, such as energy and immigration, just like the United States. Additionally, he congratulates every victory in the German national election.
Russia
The Kremlin reacted cautiously to Merz's victory, saying they must wait and see how the ties between Russia and the new German government evolve.
Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia hopes for a sober approach from Germany. A sober approach can be issues of mutual interest, to be mutually beneficial.
France
President Emmanuel Macron said he had spoken with Merz and congratulated him, adding that Paris is determined to work with Germany towards a stronger Europe in X.
United Kingdom
Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated Merz and the CDU in X, expressing hope to "working with the new government to deepen our already strong relationship, enhance our joint security and deliver growth for both our countries".
Ukraine
President Volodymyr Zelensky said the result marked a "clear choice by the voters" in Germany, and Kyiv is ready to work to protect lives, bring peace, and strengthen Europe during the war with Russia.
Zelenskiy said Europe must be able to defend itself, develop its industry, and achieve the necessary results. They have to succeed together which will bring greater unity for Europe.
NATO
Secretary-General Mark Rutte congratulated Merz, saying he looks forward to working with him "in this crucial moment for our shared security". Rutte added Germany's leadership will be the key for Europe's defense.
Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated the alliance between the CDU and its sister party in Bavaria, the Christian Social Union, on a "clear election victory" in a social media post.
He said to the new leaders of one of Israel's closest allies in Europe, he hopes to work with Germany's new government to strengthen the ties between the two countries.
Greece
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis congratulated Friedrich Merz. He called Merz's winning a decisive victory and Merz would be the next German chancellor.
Czech Republic
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala congratulated Merz and CDU/CSU for winning the general election in Germany. He hoped Germany gain strength and success in forming a federal government. He added looking forward to further cooperation.
However, some leaders chose to focus on the success of AfD.
Hungary
Prime Minister Viktor Orban refrained from congratulating the winning coalition instead of praising the right-wing group. He congratulates Alice Weidel for doubling AfD's vote share in X.
Italy
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini argued that change is winning in Germany after a significant increase in seats for right-wing parties. He posted on X, that AfD doubled its votes despite attacks and lies from the left wing.
Austria
The far-right Austrian Freedom Party leader, Herbert Kickl, said the result has left a "huge hole" in the "firewall" built to prevent AfD from coming to power. He said Germans no longer want to put up with paternalism, mass illegal immigration, Islamic terror, and the security chaos it brings, climate communism, and the destruction of prosperity.
The rise of AfD also raised concerns for the leader of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Josef Schuster. He told the Welt newspaper: "Although this result was to be expected, according to the polls, I am also shocked this evening by the electoral success of the AfD, which has doubled its share of the vote in just three years."
"It should concern us all that one-fifth of German voters cast their ballots for a party that is at least partly right-wing extremist, that in both words and ideology has connections to right-wing extremism and neo-Nazism," he added.
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