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Political Analysis: 'Steeliness Required by Merz' - Journalists globally comment: "Merz requires steel will"
Friedrich Merz bids goodbye to the Chancellery's doors with the Beatles at the Grand Tattoo, as the Bundestag elects the new Federal Chancellor on Tuesday morning. However, his journey to becoming the Chancellor was a rocky one, with Merz losing in the first round of voting. Despite its setbacks, let's explore how the world is viewing Merz's potential leadership.
The New York Times, New York
Criticizing President Trump and questioning the stability of American democracy, Merz swiftly took a strong stance on national crises, such as a stagnant economy and strained relations with the United States. As the new Chancellor, he will face a rise in the extremist anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which threatens to overshadow Merz and his mainstream political colleagues in polls.
Politiken, Copenhagen
With a potential shift away from the calm, patient, and powerfully matter-of-fact approach of Angela Merkel, Merz promises a new era. This new approach embodies more active leadership, openness about duty and energy, and a significant break from the traditional German self-understanding that prioritizes European responsibility over historical caution.
Rzeczpospolita, Warsaw
CDU leader Friedrich Merz takes over the German government, sharing a political family with Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk. While this common background usually fosters cooperation, there's a concern about the re-armed Germany and its potential implications for Poland's interests in security and arms industry.
Neue Zürcher Zeitung, Zurich
The Western countries are in a crisis of meaning, and Merz needs a strong inner compass and nerves of steel to navigate this challenging political landscape. He must avoid being swayed by public opinion while also refusing to make rebellion the guiding principle of his actions.
La Repubblica, Rome
The leadership of Federal Chancellor Merz should be closely watched, as he could play a key role in coordination with Ursula von der Leyen. The ability to counter the AfD must prove itself in practice. However, Merz's commitment to invest in infrastructure, defense, innovation, and ecological transition could have a significant impact on all of Europe.
DNA, Strasbourg
Chancellor Friedrich Merz finds himself under pressure from the Social Democrats and the AfD, both of which could potentially challenge his leadership and policy decisions. Despite these challenges, Merz's proposal to abandon the sacred German “debt brake” and free up 500 billion euros has already stirred excitement, potentially reinvigorating the German-French engine.
The Irish Times, Dublin
There is a sense of relief among Germany's European allies as the new government, led by Merz, shows promise for overcoming the economic downturn and political drift that affected relations over the past few years. This new coalition could potentially revitalize the economy, invest in common EU goods, and bolster European integration.
International reaction to a potential Merz-led government varies widely, with some viewing his economic conservatism and commitment to the EU positively, while others express concerns regarding his stance on migration, potential impact on climate change, and relationships with China and Russia. Nonetheless, Merz's rise to power signifies a major shift in German politics – one that the world will be watching closely.
- The Commission has also been consulted on the draft budget of the potential Merz-led German government, as the global implications of his leadership are widely debated.
- Merz's economic conservatism, particularly his proposal to abandon the debt brake, has been met with both praise and concern, with some viewing it as a possible solution to the economic downturn.
- In the realm of science and environmental science, Merz's stance on climate change and his approach to environmental policy remains uncertain, causing apprehension among those who advocate for action against global warming.
- Amid concerns over populism and the rise of extremist parties such as the Alternative for Germany (AfD), Merz's commitment to strong leadership is being scrutinized, with some fearing a potential resurgence of divisive politics.
- Business leaders are closely monitoring the Merz administration, as its policies and leadership could significantly impact the industries and economies of various countries, including Poland's security and arms industry.
- Merz's handling of war-and-conflicts and policy-and-legislation, particularly his stance on migration and relations with countries like China and Russia, remains a topic of intense international interest.
- As a potential successor to Angela Merkel, Merz's approach to European affairs, including European responsibility and historical caution, will be closely monitored, with implications for the future of the EU and European integration.
- Additionally, Merz's leadership in politics and general news will be under the microscope, as his decisions and policies could significantly impact the world stage, from economic policy to handling global crises.
