FT News Briefing
German voters shift to the right in Sunday’s elections
Feb 24, 2025
Germany's elections saw a surprising shift, with the center-right Christian Democrats and far-right Alternative for Deutschland making notable gains. Meanwhile, U.S. stocks plunged amid economic concerns, raising questions about investor confidence. Trade talks between the UK and India are making a comeback, aiming to boost investment. On another front, China has cut its holdings of U.S. Treasuries to a 14-year low, adding complexity to global economic dynamics. In Brazil, rising coffee prices spark discontent among consumers, correlating with inflation fears.
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Quick takeaways
- The Christian Democratic Union emerged as the leading party in Germany's elections, with Friedrich Merz set to navigate complex coalition formations due to the rise of the far-right AFD.
- Economic uncertainties, particularly in the US stock market, are spurred by disappointing growth indicators and geopolitical tensions affecting China's Treasury holdings.
Deep dives
Germany's Election Results and Political Implications
Germany's recent federal election saw the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) emerge as the leading party, garnering nearly 30% of the votes. Friedrich Merz, the CDU leader, is poised to become the next chancellor, but he faces the challenge of forming a coalition with at least one other party to secure a working majority. The far-right Alternative for Deutschland (AFD) achieved significant success, capturing about 20% of the vote, which complicates coalition dynamics further. Merz's preference appears to be for the center-left Social Democrats, who finished third, rather than aligning with the AFD.
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