Friedrich Merz Faces Crisis After Second Defeat to AfD
· World · Telegraph India, BBC News
German opposition leader Friedrich Merz suffered a second parliamentary defeat to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, deepening doubts about his leadership ahead of next year's federal election. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) chairman failed to secure a majority for his motion on migration policy after AfD lawmakers voted against it, marking another setback in his strategy to counter the AfD's rise. Merz has argued that mainstream parties must offer clear alternatives to the AfD, but critics say his tactics risk normalising cooperation with the far right. The CDU's national polling lead has narrowed in recent months. No immediate leadership challenge has been announced, but pressure is growing within the party.
Why it matters
Merz's weakened position could shift Germany's political centre rightward and complicate coalition arithmetic for the 2025 election, affecting EU policy on migration, defence, and trade — all of which touch Indian interests.
Read the original report — Telegraph India
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