IKV Chairperson Ayhan Zeytinoğlu commented on the results of the German federal elections held on 23 February 2025. Chairperson Zeytinoğlu stated:

“The results of the elections in Germany are of critical importance for both the country itself and the future of Europe. The election results are also significant for Türkiye because the new government’s policies to be formed will be decisive both for bilateral relations with Türkiye and for the trajectory of the EU. The election results, as expected, reveal the rise of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party. Although the Christian Democrats emerged as the leading party, AfD’s rise, especially in eastern Germany, is concerning. AfD’s anti-immigration, ultra-nationalist, and racist policies also present an EU-opposing stance that could even lead to an exit from the EU. If CDU Leader Friedrich Merz fails to establish a successful government, AfD may further increase its vote share in the next elections. Among voters aged 18-24, the preference for Die Linke, which is on the left, coming first and AfD coming second, indicates that the new generation is moving further away from the centre. CDU Leader Merz stated that he would not cooperate with AfD in any way. However, even if it remains outside the government, AfD is expected to be a strong opposition force and to have a determining influence, especially on immigration policies.”

Chairperson Zeytinoğlu also touched upon relations with the United States and continued:

“One of the most important challenges ahead for Merz will be relations with the United States. Merz sees that during the Trump era, U.S. support for Europe came to an end and turned into a directly anti-EU approach. Europe now needs to adopt a policy independent from the United States and, particularly in the field of defence, become self-sufficient. In this regard, in addition to Franco-German cooperation, forming a broader consensus within the EU is also important.”

IKV Chairperson Zeytinoğlu lastly evaluated the matter from Türkiye’s perspective and concluded:

“As Türkiye, we must closely monitor the election results. Immigration and citizenship policies are important for Turkish people in Germany. Citizenship acquisition and residence may be restricted. Additionally, while the new government is expected to impose restrictions on the right to asylum, it may also simplify the process of attracting skilled labour. Merz may increase cooperation with third countries in controlling immigration and may turn to Türkiye in this regard. From an EU perspective, gaining independence from the United States and pursuing a self-sufficient Europe will increase Türkiye’s importance. Türkiye’s military capacity and defence sector will come to the forefront. Furthermore, as the United States becomes increasingly protectionist, the EU will seek to diversify its trade partners and deepen global supply chains. This situation will raise the necessity of developing relations with Türkiye as a customs union partner. The EU’s goal of enlargement with new members, changes in its institutional structure, and the emergence of a multi-speed Europe may become inevitable. In this case, it will be important to address Türkiye-EU relations within this new process while keeping the goal of membership intact and adapting to the potentially emerging Europe of concentric circles.”