The recent German federal election has sparked intense discussions in Switzerland, particularly among the country’s parliamentarians. While conservative Swiss parliamentarians are pleased with the outcome, left-wing representatives are expressing deep concern.
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), have emerged as the clear winners, with a significant increase in votes. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens, on the other hand, have suffered significant losses. The Alternative for Germany (AfD), a far-right party, has more than doubled its voter base and is now the second-strongest force in the Bundestag.
Fabian Molina, a National Councilor for the Social Democratic Party, views the outcome as “dramatic.” He describes it as a “black day” for Germany and Europe, stating that the AfD’s rise to prominence is a cause for concern. Molina is particularly disheartened by the SPD’s historic low in the election and is worried about the CDU’s potential collaboration with the AfD on migration policy issues.
Pascal Schmid, a National Councilor for the Swiss People’s Party, sees the outcome as a logical consequence of the migration policies of the past few years. He believes the strengthening of the CDU and the AfD reflects the will of the voters to stop uncontrolled asylum migration and strengthen national security.
Thierry Burkart, the president of the Free Democratic Party, recognizes the election as a clear trend towards a conservative government. He is particularly disappointed in the FDP’s failure to differentiate itself from the coalition government and its policies.
Philipp Matthias Bregy, the parliamentary group leader of the Centre, is pleased with the CDU’s success, describing it as a clear signal for more stability in German politics. He warns, however, that the extreme ideologies of the AfD and the left could hinder a sensible politics.
Balthasar Glättli, a National Councilor for the Greens, views the outcome as a confirmation of the trends of recent weeks. The AfD’s success is remarkable, he says, given the disinformation prevalent in the election campaign. The CDU, he adds, has not achieved a clear electoral success by returning to right-wing politics and must now consider its future direction.
In summary, the election results indicate a shift in the political landscape in Germany. While the CDU has emerged as the winner, the stability of the future government remains uncertain and the possibility of a coalition with the AfD is still unclear. As a neighboring country and important partner, the developments in Germany are of interest to Switzerland.