The task awaiting the new coalition: dialogue with Russia... AfD has moved beyond the fringe

Germany has left behind a turbulent process with the general election of February 23, 2025. While the election results have given rise to the possibility of a “Grand Coalition” (Große Koalition) between the CDU, in the lead, and the SPD, the rise in vote share for the far-right AfD has also had a jarring effect on the political balance across Europe. This coalition carries great significance, particularly for Germany’s domestic political stability, the future of the European Union, and international relations. However, the low turnout among immigrant-background voters during this process has drawn significant criticism regarding democratic responsibility. Germany must rebuild its domestic dynamics, but it is equally essential that it return to a more flexible, diplomacy-based approach in foreign policy. In particular, if the SPD returns to its “factory settings” in foreign policy, this could help position Germany as a balanced and realistic actor on the international stage.

THE CDU-SPD COALITION: WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR GERMANY AND EUROPE?

Following the election results, CDU leader Friedrich Merz stated that he wanted to begin coalition talks with the SPD quickly. The SPD’s slide to third place in the elections, and Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s announcement that he would step down, point to a new leadership structure taking shape within the SPD. The coalition between the CDU and SPD is seen as a critical step for Germany’s future. The significance of this coalition can be summarized around a few key points:

1. Stability in Domestic Politics: Germany faces serious problems such as economic stagnation, an energy crisis, and social polarization. A government led jointly by the CDU and SPD could offer a more balanced, centrist approach to steering the country out of these crises.

2. Curbing the Far Right: The AfD reaching a striking vote share of 20.8% shows that the far right in Germany is no longer a marginal movement. The CDU-SPD coalition will serve as a critical balancing factor in protecting democratic values and limiting the far right’s influence within the system.

3. A Balanced Germany for the European Union and NATO: Given the rising wave of nationalism in Europe and the future of the EU, it is of great importance that Germany be governed by a strong, stable government. A CDU-SPD government could reinforce the stability of the EU while preserving Germany’s leadership position in Europe.

THE RESPONSIBILITY OF IMMIGRANTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ELECTION

One of the most striking aspects of this election process was that voters of immigrant background in Germany turned out at the polls at a lower rate than expected. In Germany, which has around 10 million voters of immigrant background, this group was expected to be more active in the elections, yet turnout remained below 40%.
The indifference of immigrants toward political processes and their failure to vote, acting irresponsibly, has created a serious gap in the democratic system. Had immigrant voters participated at a higher rate, it might have been possible to curb the rise of far-right parties like the AfD and ensure stronger representation for immigrant-friendly parties such as the SPD and the Greens.

The main reasons behind the low turnout of immigrant voters:

• The Representation Problem: The perception that immigrant communities are not adequately represented in German politics causes voters to become disengaged. Yet politics cannot be changed without participation.

• Silence in the Face of the Far Right’s Rise: Despite the anti-immigrant policies of parties like the AfD, the fact that a large portion of immigrants remain silent in the face of this threat and do not go to the polls creates a significant contradiction.

• Lack of Information: The absence of adequate information about the electoral process makes it harder for immigrants, especially those who have recently gained citizenship, to participate in elections.

In this context, immigrant communities need to act with a sense of responsibility and take a more active role in Germany’s political processes. If they are not represented at the ballot box, it will be inevitable that the parties defending their rights grow weaker while the far right rises even further.

GERMANY MUST GAIN FLEXIBILITY IN FOREIGN POLICY

One of the most important tasks of the CDU-SPD coalition to be formed after the elections will be to reshape Germany’s foreign policy. In recent years, Germany has increasingly shifted toward a rigid stance in foreign policy, adopting a one-dimensional position particularly regarding the war in Ukraine and relations with Russia. However, these hardline policies have damaged both Germany’s economic interests and weakened its diplomatic influence.

In this context, the SPD needs to return to its “factory settings” in foreign policy and adopt a more flexible, multidimensional approach to diplomacy. To achieve this:

1. Making Diplomacy a Priority: Germany’s foreign policy should evolve toward a line based on diplomatic negotiation rather than harsh rhetoric and strict sanctions.

2. A Balanced Stance on Ukraine: While supporting Ukraine, Germany should also keep the door to dialogue with Russia open. Rather than symbolic gestures such as flying the Ukrainian flag at the German Foreign Ministry and embassies in Berlin, peaceful paths to resolution should take center stage.

3. Transatlantic Relations and Europe’s Own Strength: While maintaining strong relations with NATO and the United States, Germany should also prioritize developing Europe’s own independent defense capacity.

These changes would allow Germany to become a more effective actor on the global stage and to play a balancing role in international crises while protecting its economic interests. Germany is entering a new era with the election results. The coalition between the CDU and SPD holds great significance for maintaining the country’s stability and sustaining its leadership role in Europe. However, the fact that immigrants did not turn out to vote during this process stands out as a major shortcoming in terms of participation in democratic processes.

If immigrant communities want to have a say in the policies that affect them, they must view political participation as a responsibility and help shape Germany’s future.

At the same time, Germany needs to move toward a more flexible, diplomatic line in foreign policy. If the SPD returns to its factory settings and pursues a more rational, multilateral policy, this will increase Germany’s power on the international stage. Concrete diplomatic steps should be taken instead of symbolic gestures, ensuring that Germany acts as a balancing actor.

In conclusion, the most important issue for Germany is to secure stability in domestic politics while charting a more flexible and realistic roadmap in foreign policy. The CDU-SPD coalition could be the key to this process, but this requires both the government and society to take on responsibility.

Odatv.com