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Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera
Politics

World reacts to Merz’ German election win amid warnings on far-right surge

Friedrich Merz AFD Europe Germany Alice Weidel CDU Alternative for Germany
Friedrich Merz, centre, the chancellor candidate of the conservative Christian Democratic Union, addresses supporters at the party's headquarters in Berlin, Germany, after the CDU finished first in federal elections on February 23, 2025 [Martin Meissner/AP]

Many world leaders have congratulated Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), for winning the German elections.

However, as the reactions rolled in, some were also wary, while others were focused on the surge of the far right as the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party celebrated its best showing at the polls at 20.8 percent as it finished second.

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