Friedrich Merz Poised to Become Chancellor as Germany Prepares for Political Shift Amid Economic and Global Turmoil.

By Caroline Ameh

Germany’s conservative leader Friedrich Merz is expected to be confirmed as the country’s next chancellor when the newly formed government is presented to the Bundestag on Tuesday. Merz, head of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), will lead a center-right coalition following a pivotal national election in February that upended Germany’s political landscape.

The election saw a sharp decline in support for the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) surged to second place, prompting concerns across Europe and the Atlantic. Merz’s CDU-led bloc secured a narrow parliamentary majority after weeks of negotiations with the pro-business Free Democratic Party (FDP) and the centrist Alliance for Germany.

The incoming government faces urgent challenges. Germany’s economy continues to struggle with low growth, high inflation, and a persistent energy crisis exacerbated by the ongoing war in Ukraine. Additionally, the re-election of Donald Trump in the United States last November has raised fresh doubts about transatlantic unity and NATO’s future, adding to the geopolitical strain.

At a signing ceremony on Monday in Berlin, Merz struck a tone of resolve. “We live in times of profound change, of profound upheaval, and of great uncertainty,” he said. “That is why we know it is our historic obligation to lead this coalition to success. We are determined to move Germany forward with reforms and investments, and we promise a government whose voice is heard in Europe and the world.”

Merz has also vowed to clamp down on irregular migration, a move widely interpreted as a response to the AfD’s growing popularity. Just last week, the domestic intelligence agency formally designated the AfD as an “extremist” organization, triggering backlash. On Monday, the AfD announced it had filed a lawsuit to challenge the designation, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the decision “tyranny in disguise.”

Lars Klingbeil, SPD leader and the new government’s designated vice chancellor and finance minister, emphasized unity. “The new government needs real teamwork more than ever. We want to lead Germany back to where it belongs.”

The formation of the new coalition comes after the SPD-led government of Olaf Scholz collapsed on November 6, the same day as Trump’s election victory. Scholz will remain in parliament but is not expected to take a cabinet post.

The confirmation vote for Merz is scheduled for Tuesday, where he is expected to win with the coalition’s combined 384-seat majority in the 736-member Bundestag.