Berlin, February 19, 2025: Tourists walk in front of the German flag on the government dome.
Picture Alliance | Picture Alliance | Getty Images
Berlin has a unique feeling after a new chapter in German politics begins to hold federal elections over the weekend As the Central Right Wing Alliance, ready to take power in Berlin again.
The Conservative coalition, composed of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its sister party, Christian Social Union (CSU), won 28.6% of the vote in Sunday’s vote, followed by the German far-right alternative (AFD), with second place 20.8 It is said Preliminary results of the federal return officer.
The results will be confirmed on Monday, meaning CDU-CSU’s Friedrich Merz may be Germany’s next prime minister, taking over from SPD’s Olaf Scholz After his tripartite alliance collapsed late last year.
CDU-CSU is no stranger to power and led several “big alliances” in Germany in the last century. Now, a new “old” coalition is expected to form, and although the Greens are not excluded from working with the coalition, the Central Left SPD is the most likely partner of the coalition.
However, due to economic moves and the need to increase domestic spending, Germany’s new leadership still has familiar challenges – many of which depend on German lawmakers’ ability to reform restrictive debt restrictions rules Called “debt braking” – Form direct and urgent attention.
Germany then has a tough relationship with the world outside the world, i.e., President Donald Trump threatens trade tariffs, which will further damage Germany’s industry sectors.
There is no doubt that German and American politicians, economists and business leaders have no doubt about the obstacles facing the new government, but the prospects New Government Ignite hope that changes For a struggling economy.
This is a choice of direct response to the German election results:
Probably the next Prime Minister Friedrich Merz:
Defeated SPD leader Olaf Scholz:
“This is a painful election result for the Social Democratic Party. It’s also an election failure, and I think it needs to be clearly stated from the outset, given the result like this.” SPD dropped it in the vote Sunday night.
“This election result is a bad one, so I’m also responsible for this election result,” he added.
Carsten Brzeski, Global Head of Macro Research:
“It will be complicated,” Burzsky told CNBC’s Annette Weisbach on Monday.
“We only have one option, and that’s another major league. The problem is, SPDs are hurt a lot – the worst result ever – so they’re going to be in some kind of existential crisis.”
“We’re going to get some cyclical support, we’re going to get some tax cuts, and we might also get some investment plans. But the elephant in the room is still our debt brake? He warned that this is the current situation for the next council. constellation.
Joe Kaeser, Chairman of Siemens Energy:
Siemens’ energy Chairman Joe Kaeser told CNBC that the new German government will face a “quite tough battle” and requires a long-term agenda to reorganize Germany over the next five years.
“This is a reorganization case and we need to be honest about it,” he told CNBC’s Julianna Tatelbaum on Monday.
Kather said the 2030 Agenda should have five key areas, focusing on the economy, infrastructure and energy, education and innovation, restructuring the pension system and finally “regaining government control and government reform.”
“People in Germany want to know, is our country safe? They want to know if governments and institutions are under control. Governments, our country, our country is still under control.”
Arnd Franz, CEO of Auto Parts Maker Mahle:
“From our perspective, it’s time to take action, after yesterday’s election, we hope that the new German government will be able to form quickly and then take decisive, immediate action, and a long, clear, long-term vision and roadmap He told CNBC’s Carolin Roth on Monday that his economy has indeed brought Europe’s economy back on track.
“I think Germany’s manufacturing industry needs some urgent action on taxation in terms of energy costs and flexibility in the labor market. There are three important things for everyone in the manufacturing industry. Of course, the automotive industry is the most important question.”
US President Donald Trump:
“It looks like the German Conservative Party has won a very big and highly anticipated election. Like the United States, the German people are tired of agenda without common sense, especially in terms of energy and immigration, which has been prevalent for many years, Trump The president posted the truth on Sunday night on the truth on his social media platform.
“It’s a great day for Germany.” He added.
John Emerson, former U.S. ambassador to Germany:
“I think this is good news for Germany. I’m actually very close to Friedrich Merz,” said Emerson, the former German ambassador of the United States, as soon as possible so that we can gradually achieve real success from the United States. independence”.
“I think he’s actually serious about what he said (Sunday night) and is actually announcing independence from the United States, and I don’t think (US Vice President) JD Vance and Donald Trump can’t complain.” Steve Sedgwick.
“Mels is a free businessman…so when I hear him talking about independence, what I hear is ‘We need to get to the point where we can stand alone so that we can defend ourselves and do it in military capabilities More on spending and building. “I heard it’s a national security issue, not an economic issue.
Alicia Garcia Herrero, an economist at the think tank Bruegel:
“What’s going on in the United States is very important when it comes to tariffs or trade,” said Herrero, a senior researcher at Bruegel, an economic think tank. She told CNBC on Monday: “I think Europe is waking up,” she said. , and Meles is the best example.”
“They (European leaders) realize that they need to be closer. It’s a silver lining, which could make Europe stronger, and it could force Germany to really think of the military at the EU level at one time However, the proposal would mean that Germany will need to leave its debt.”
