Germany’s upcoming election has become a critical component of Europe’s response to President Trump’s new world order. The country’s economy is stalled, its politics are fractured, and its leaders are struggling to find a unified stance against the US president’s policies.
Friedrich Merz, the leading candidate for chancellor, has warned that the election is not just about changing government but about rewriting the global map. His opponent, Olaf Scholz, has vowed to fill a leadership vacuum left by Trump’s disengagement from Europe.
The stakes are high as Germany and Europe face challenges such as strained ties with the US, rising nationalism, and economic stagnation. The incumbent chancellor, Scholz, is struggling to regain his footing after his government crumbled last fall.
A new German leader will need time to form a governing coalition and navigate the complex web of European politics. Polls suggest that Merz will likely not win a majority in the election, but his fresh face could provide a much-needed jolt to Europe.
Analysts believe that Merz’s ability to lead Europe during this tumultuous period could be crucial. However, forming a government without the AfD party, which is considered extremist by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, could be a challenge for him.
Ultimately, the outcome of the election will determine whether Germany can play a leading role in shaping Europe’s post-Trump era or if it will struggle to project economic power and find revenue to rearm.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/22/world/europe/germany-election-trump.html