Germany’s conservative leader Friedrich Merz has issued a stark warning about the state of European security and transatlantic relations, declaring that it is “five minutes to midnight for Europe” as concerns grow over U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies, reports Reuters.
Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) emerged as the winner in Germany’s national election on Sunday but secured just 28.5% of the vote—its second-worst postwar result. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) made historic gains, finishing second with 20.8%, while Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD) fell to third place.
At a press conference on Monday, Merz cautioned that Trump could negotiate a deal with Russia over Ukraine without consulting European allies. “It will come as no surprise when I say that this is unacceptable both for Ukraine and for Europe,” he said. He also criticized Washington’s approach to trade, warning that preferential tariffs for select EU members could create deep divisions within Europe.
Merz is now facing difficult coalition talks, as he seeks to form a government with the SPD despite deep policy divisions, particularly on migration and economic recovery. The far-right AfD and the radical Left Party have secured enough seats to potentially block constitutional changes, complicating efforts to reform Germany’s debt brake and increase defense spending.
Adding to the political turmoil, Merz invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Germany, defying an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
With Trump’s re-election reshaping global alliances, Merz’s ability to stabilize German politics and reinforce European security will be closely watched. If his coalition efforts falter, the AfD’s momentum could set the stage for an even greater shift in German politics by the next election in 2029.
