Mon Feb 24 16:34:51 UTC 2025: ## Germany’s Merz to Seek Coalition with SPD Amidst Transatlantic Uncertainty

**Berlin, Germany** – Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), declared victory in Sunday’s general election and announced plans to form a coalition government with the Social Democrats (SPD) within two months. The CDU/CSU bloc secured a decisive win, while the SPD suffered a historic low of 16% and the Greens achieved 11%. The far-right AfD party received a concerning 20% of the vote, prompting Merz to address the concerns of voters drifting towards extremist parties.

Merz, emphasizing the need for swift action on the European and world stage after months of political paralysis, highlighted the changing transatlantic relationship with the United States under President Donald Trump. He acknowledged decreasing US interest in Europe and stated his intention to maintain good relations while preparing for potential challenges. He also revealed a productive conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, aligning their approaches to discussions with the US administration.

Despite the domestic political shifts, Merz reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine as the war enters its fourth year. The election results underscore a significant realignment of German politics, with the CDU’s strong showing and the SPD’s considerable decline setting the stage for a new era in German leadership and international relations.

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