Who will lead the most populous and economically strongest country in the European Union in the future? In other capitals and in the EU institutions in Brussels, the beginning talks about the formation of a new German government will be followed closely. An overview:
USA
“Donnerwetter … you are constant” – with these words US President Joe Biden commented on Sunday reports on the SPD’s lead in the federal elections. It is unlikely that the most powerful president in the world would have problems with a chancellor Olaf Scholz. Both politicians recently celebrated, for example, the breakthrough for a global minimum tax for internationally active companies as a great success.
China
“We hope and expect that the new German government will continue its pragmatic and balanced China policy” – without congratulating any party directly, Beijing expressed the hope of continued good cooperation with Germany after the general election. In a statement by the Foreign Ministry, the commitment of Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU), who had placed great emphasis on developing relations with the People’s Republic during her term of office, was expressly recognized. “China really appreciates this,” said spokeswoman Hua Chunying. Before the election, observers in China had expressed fears that relations would worsen under a new government and that Germany might orient itself more towards the US, which is forging an international alliance against Beijing.
Russia
The Kremlin is hoping for a good relationship with the new government in Berlin. “We are interested in the relationship being continued and expanded,” said spokesman Dmitry Peskov in Moscow on Monday. “We are united by the insight that problems can and should only be solved through dialogue.” In addition, Peskow hopes for “continuity in our bilateral relations”. The relationship between Berlin and Moscow is very tense because of various conflicts, such as the imprisonment of the Kremlin opponent Alexej Navalny.
European Union
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has long been said to have ambitions to succeed Angela Merkel as Chancellor. The CDU politician initially did not comment publicly on the outcome of the election on Monday – in her authority and also in the representation of the member states, however, the narrow election result is viewed with concern. Above all, it is feared that until a new government is formed in Berlin it will not be possible to make major decisions at EU level. This could be problematic, among other things, for the recently presented legislative projects to achieve the EU climate protection goals. EU Parliament President David Sassoli, an Italian social democrat, called for a swift government to be formed.
France
French President Emmanuel Macron initially did not comment on the election result. In the Élysée Palace, too, one hopes above all that the coalition negotiations in Berlin will not drag on too long. At the start of the French EU Presidency in January, France needs a strong partner to jointly advance projects in the areas of defense and business, for example. There is no official dream partner in Paris. Before the election, the Élysée had seen the FDP in the role of kingmaker and thus as a decisive part in the coalition negotiations.
Spain
The socialist head of government Pedro Sánchez congratulated Scholz on “great results”. Spain and Germany would continue to work for a strong Europe and a just and green reconstruction after the Corona crisis, where no one would be left behind, he commented. In countries such as Spain, particular attention is being paid to the position of a future government on the issue of common EU debts and the return to stricter budget discipline.
Great Britain
There was initially no reaction from Prime Minister Boris Johnson to the German election results. The head of the Social Democratic Labor Party, Keir Starmer, however, congratulated Scholz and spoke of an inspiring campaign.
Austria
Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) reacted cautiously to the outcome of the federal election in Germany. “The election results in Germany allow a wide variety of constellations and the coming weeks will show who will be the future chancellor in Germany,” he told the APA on Monday. “In any case, we are counting on being able to continue our proven cooperation with the future German federal government,” emphasized Kurz. Germany and Austria are namely “close partners and friends”. He did not comment on the historic defeat of the ÖVP sister parties CDU / CSU. SPÖ leader Pamela Rendi-Wagner and Greens leader Werner Kogler congratulated the respective sister parties SPD and the German Greens on their electoral successes.
Poland
The national-conservative PiS government in Warsaw is particularly pleased with the good performance of the Liberals. “The FDP will tip the scales, and that is excellent news for us,” commented Poland’s ambassador in Berlin, Andrzej Przylebski. The party’s foreign ministers – such as Hans-Dietrich Genscher – have always been good for Poland. Whether the new government is led by the SPD or the CDU makes little difference. “As far as the SPD is concerned, there is a fear of too much empathy towards Russia, but that relates more to the party leadership than to Scholz,” said Przylebski. The Greens are more cautious about Russia, which is helpful for Poland.
Norway
The election victory of the Social Democrats in Norway a good two weeks ago has proven to be a good omen for the SPD. After Olaf Scholz had congratulated Jonas Gahr Støre at the time, the likely next Norwegian head of government returned this to Berlin. “Congratulations from Norway!” Wrote the Norwegian on Twitter to Scholz and the SPD on Sunday evening. It is an “impressive result after an inspiring election campaign”. He is looking forward to the close cooperation.
