Merz won the German election. Here’s what it means for Europe

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on POLITICO or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Conservative leader and fmr. BlackRock executive, Friedrich Merz has won the German election, marking a major political shift in the EU’s largest economy
• Coalition negotiations are expected to take weeks, but Merz is set to move Germany away from the policies of Chancellor Olaf Scholz
• His leadership could reshape German and EU policies on defense, trade, climate, and economic strategy

🔭 The context: Merz, from the center-right CDU/CSU, has signaled a tougher stance on migration, nuclear energy, and China
• He has pledged to increase defense spending, reconsider nuclear power, and roll back some EU green regulations
• His election marks a departure from both Scholz’s social democratic approach and Angela Merkel’s centrist legacy

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: A Merz-led government is expected to prioritize economic growth over climate policy, scaling back EU green initiatives
• His CDU party opposes strict sustainability reporting rules and may soften Germany’s transition to renewable energy
• This shift could impact EU climate targets and influence the bloc’s energy strategy

⏭️ What's next: Germany's coalition talks will determine the extent of Merz’s policy shifts, particularly on defense and economic reforms
• His stance on EU trade and China will be closely watched, as well as his potential rollback of Germany’s cannabis decriminalization
• His leadership could strengthen conservative influence in EU policymaking

💬 One quote: “We must prepare for the possibility that Donald Trump will no longer uphold NATO’s mutual defense commitment unconditionally.” — Friedrich Merz

📈 One stat: The CDU/CSU won 28.5% of the vote, securing first place but needing coalition partners to form a government

Click for more news covering the latest on public governance