Quotes
We consider that the text can be improved, to say the least,
Desbazeille said
What we’re eyeing is the fact that Germany has been now obviously leading the … anti-nuclear group,
said one pro-atomic EU diplomat, granted anonymity to speak freelyIt’s a do-or-die moment,
said Phuc-Vinh Nguyen, the head of the Paris-based Jacques Delors Centre’s Energy Institute and a nuclear specialistI would expect nuclear debate to be less divisive,
said a third EU diplomat.jpg)
I understand the dimension of the task ahead, and I will be taking it on with great respect, and I know it’s not going to be easy.”
On Sunday night, Mr Merz told cheering party members
Friends, this is a bitter election result for the Social Democratic Party. It is a defeat, I think, when we are looking at these results, and we have to say without mincing words.”
Speaking to SPD voters on Sunday night, a gloomy Mr Scholz saidThis is a great day for Germany and for the United States of America under the leadership of a gentleman named Donald J. Trump. Congratulations to all – many more victories to follow!”
However, on Sunday night, Mr Trump appeared more positive, sayingThe UK’s independent nuclear deterrent exists to deter the most extreme threats to our national security, and that of our Nato allies. We will remain deliberately ambiguous about when, how and at what scale we would contemplate using our nuclear weapons.”
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson saidWe are more determined than ever to achieve great things together for France and for Germany and to work for a strong and sovereign Europe,
he wrote on social mediaIf it winds up being a coalition with two parties – with Merz and CDU, and the centre-left – that puts him [Merz] in a stronger position,
global strategy adviser Marco Vicenzino told Al Jazeera
We have achieved something historic today,
AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla said to cheering supporters on Sunday
The German people have made a choice, and now they need to put together the government. I hope that they do it as fast as possible because we really need to move on with the decisions also on the European level that require German participation.”
High Representative of the European Union Kaja Kallas urged the swift formation of a new government
Although this result was to be expected, according to the polls, I am also shocked this evening by the electoral success of the AfD, which has doubled its share of the vote in just three years.”
The leader of Germany’s Central Council of Jews, Josef Schuster, expressed his shock, telling the Welt newspaperThe people of Germany voted for change in immense numbers, ... I want to congratulate [chancellor candidate] Alice Weidel on doubling AfD’s share of the votes. Good luck and God bless Germany!”
he wrote on XIt should concern us all that one-fifth of German voters cast their ballots for a party that is at least partly right-wing extremist, that in both words and ideology has connections to right-wing extremism and neo-Nazism,
he addedWe have nearly eight weeks until Easter now, and I think that should be enough time - the maximum time - to form a government in Germany."
During his victory speech on Sunday night, Merz said
If we can find a good basis together, the SPD will be prepared to hold talks because at the end of the day we have to be effective in Germany and we can't just lick our wounds now,
said Anke Rehlinger, SPD premier of the state of Saarland
The German economy needs a new federal government capable of taking action very quickly with a stable majority in the democratic center,
the head of the BDI industry association Peter Leibinger said.jpg)
From our point of view, (talks) can start very, very quickly,
said senior conservative CDU politician Jens SpahnThe first talks should certainly be held this week, in the next few days. We see the situation in the world, Ukraine, Russia, the United States,
he said