New German government, fresh prospects?
Friedrich Merz (CDU) was expected to be elected as the new German chancellor in the Bundestag today with a majority of votes from the CDU/CSU and SPD. The three parties have a total of 328 seats. However in the first round of voting he received only 310 votes, six fewer than necessary. Ahead of the vote, European media assess the political potential of a black-red coalition.
A start with major liabilities
The new government will be under pressure from day one, Český rozhlas notes:
“This is mainly due to Friedrich Merz, who raised high expectations during the election campaign but just a few days after the votes had been counted had to backtrack on many of his promises, including the debt issue. A U-turn with fatal consequences. Two months after the election his party is steadily losing support in the polls and now trails behind the AfD. ... If Merz fails to live up to the expectations he raised before the election, for example on the issue of illegal migration, he will definitely lose in the eyes of his voters. Time will tell whether it's possible to govern with such a liability.”
Hopefully more skilled than Scholz
Immense challenges lie ahead, the Süddeutsche Zeitung stresses:
“Friedrich Merz must accomplish the balancing act of asserting himself against the aggressive hostility of the American government, as demonstrated by its support for the anti-constitutional AfD, while at the same time avoiding a break with Washington. Will he manage this better than Olaf Scholz? Much will depend on his skill not only in dealing with Trump, but also with Germany's key partners in Europe. ... Only together with France and Poland and, in the case of Nato, with the UK in particular, will it be possible to close the American gap. ... This was the outgoing chancellor's blind spot. This is where Friedrich Merz could really make a big difference.”
Potential to move Europe forward
Dnevnik sees the envisaged new German government as a huge opportunity for the EU:
“If two parties with such different world views can reach a coalition agreement, even if it's rather vague in part, they will be able to move Europe forward aided by a broad consensus. After all, it's no longer just about the export-orientated German economy. The motto of the Slovenian reformer Primož Trubar [1508-1586] 'stand and withstand' should be extended beyond Germany's borders by the reform-oriented Merz government and applied to security policy and economic and fundamental reforms of the functioning of the EU.”
Merz-Macron can be Europe's driving force
Le Figaro hopes the Franco-German tandem will be revived, despite the stumbling blocks:
“The new chancellor has made many gestures towards a rapprochement with Paris. ... The differences will not disappear, particularly on the Mercosur agreement, which Berlin wants to see implemented quickly, and on civilian use of nuclear energy, which France is particularly intent on. And as always, Germany will defend its interests tooth and nail. Nevertheless, Berlin and Paris are once again willing to find a common language and seek compromises. If the Merz-Macron duo wants to be the driving force of Europe, it will have to go beyond mere symbolism and bring Poland on board, while showing courage and ambition on concrete projects.”
Antisocial and outdated neoliberalism
The new chancellor-designate's economic policy leaves much to be desired, Avgi warns:
“Many fear that his views could prove disastrous for the less well-off. ... His ministerial appointments don't bode well, because they show a clear adherence to the outdated theory that certain 'successful managers' can be competent politicians. ... The 'pilot' Merz promises high-flying achievements, but both his rhetoric and his choice of staff reek of neoliberal mothballs and unrepentant conservatism. ... Germany appears ready to dive headfirst into obsolete and discredited neoliberal theories from the early 21st century when capitalism still seemed robust, innovative and unstoppable.”
Germany's balancing act
Politiken writes that well-dosed leadership qualities are essential:
“Perhaps it is time to define German identity not just in negative terms - as non-Nazi, non-nationalist, non-controlling - but as a positive responsibility born of ambition rather than guilt. However, Europe's experience with large countries trying to 'find themselves' is mixed, to say the least. The more a country insists on its own identity, the less it perceives the fears of its neighbours. And the paradox remains: Europe needs German leadership, but only if it remains defined by doubt. Friedrich Merz has given Germany a new voice. Now he must show that he can also listen.”