Christians have been reacting to the recent German elections, which saw the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU), win the largest vote share. They won ahead of the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD), who achieved a record vote share of 20.8 percent, and the Social Democratic Party (SPD).
The result means that CDU leader Friedrich Merz, who leads the CDU-CSU coalition, will likely become Germany’s new chancellor, having never previously held a ministerial role. He has promised to push for greater control over immigration and independence from the USA following recent comments from President Trump’s administration.
Frank Heinrich, one of two CEOs of the German Evangelical Alliance, called on the new government to restore Germany’s visibility on the international stage - urging it to bolster European security, while restoring unity domestically through constructive communication following a divisive election.
He said: “Concerns that are clearly evident in the election results must be recognised and dealt with constructively without destructive and vindictive party politics. These include security and migration issues and the future of economic development. Issues relating to family and social policy must not be ignored.
“I also hope that before a government is formed, there will be a much clearer position on Israel and the situation surrounding the Gaza war. The raison d'état must once again become clear as such.”
Bishop Kirsten Fehrs, Chair of the Council of the Protestant Church in Germany (EKD) expressed concern about the increased acceptance towards “extremist positions” since the last elections four years ago, believing that “nationalist slogans and inhumane attitudes are not compatible with Christian faith.”
She said: “I hope that a new government will strengthen the general political conditions for cohesiveness in society and an outward-looking Germany − a Germany in which what counts is human dignity and mutual respect.”
