Friedrich Merz on the verge of the chancellorship: A new era for Germany and the EU

As Germany's incoming chancellor, Friedrich Merz, faces harsh criticism and a slump in polls at home, European partners are hoping for a new chapter of German leadership.

In Brussels, senior EU officials and member state leaders are eagerly awaiting his confirmation as chancellor on May 6, seeing it as an opportunity to replace the passivity of predecessor Olaf Scholz with a more assertive approach. The CDU leader is expected to secure a simple majority in the Bundestag, along with his Social Democratic (SPD) allies.

After a long period of stagnation in European politics under Scholz, key countries such as France, Poland, and the Netherlands have welcomed the formation of a new government, more engaged in security and economic challenges.

Merz has promised to restore confidence in Germany and has taken bold steps domestically, including a constitutional change that allows for major public investments in defense and infrastructure.

In foreign policy, Merz has shown determination to support Ukraine with more advanced military aid, including Taurus missiles, reversing the previous course of the Scholz government.

He has stressed the importance of coordination with allies such as France and the United Kingdom, considering a strong stance as a necessity to show Russia the consequences of aggression.

But there are challenges. In domestic politics, acting Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has expressed his reservations about sending the missiles.

The coalition agreement also promotes tough measures in migration and asylum policy, including accelerated deportations and permanent border controls, raising concerns about compliance with fundamental rights.

In terms of climate, the new government decides to meet the carbon neutrality objective by 2045 and supports a 90% reduction in net emissions by 2040 at the EU level.

However, it requires flexibility through carbon credits and cooperation with countries outside the EU.

Merz is clear that his leadership will be tested in a coalition government with the SPD, but the first signs point to a more energetic and coordinated direction in the European arena.

The key question remains: will he be able to realize his ambitious vision in a complicated political landscape?

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