This is how international politicians react to the federal election

RP ONLINE This is how international politicians react to the federal election 3 hours • 3 minutes reading time Düsseldorf. Germany voted on Sunday. Many politicians abroad also followed the 2025 federal election with great interest. We have collected reactions from foreign heads of government. US President Donald Trump welcomes the election result in Germany. "Similar to the USA, people in Germany have had enough of the agenda without common sense, especially in the areas of energy and immigration, that has prevailed for so many years," Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. "This is a great day for Germany." France French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with CDU chairman Friedrich Merz and congratulated him on his victory in the federal election. This was announced by the Elysée Palace. France and Germany are more determined than ever to achieve great things together and to work for a strong and sovereign Europe, Macron said. In this time of uncertainty, both countries are united to face the great challenges of the world and the continent. Meanwhile, the prominent French right-wing extremist Éric Zemmour congratulated the AfD on its performance in the federal election. "What a wonderful election success!" he wrote on the X platform. He himself was in Berlin "at Alice Weidel's side". Zemmour published a video in which he shook hands with the AfD leader and both laughed. "The wave of freedom and identity continues to grow throughout the West," wrote Zemmour. "France will follow!" Austria The party leader of the conservative ÖVP in Austria congratulates CDU leader Friedrich Merz on his victory in the federal election. "Like Austria, Germany is also facing many challenges, and in times like these, decisive action and strengthening the business location is the order of the day," he wrote in a statement. The right-wing populist FPÖ from Austria congratulates the AfD on its significant increase in votes. "The voters are continuing the patriotic turn and have torn a huge hole of hope and freedom in the firewall of the unity parties," explains FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl. Ukraine After the Union's victory in the federal election, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj congratulated Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz (CDU) and the Union parties and emphasized the importance of the relationship. Kyiv is counting on continued cooperation with Germany "to protect lives, bring real peace to Ukraine and strengthen Europe," wrote Selenskyj on Sunday evening in German on the online service X. Israel Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has congratulated the Union's Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz on his election victory. "Congratulations, Friedrich Merz, on your clear election victory today," wrote the conservative head of government on X. "I look forward to working closely with your future government to further strengthen the partnership between our two countries," added Netanyahu. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also expressed confidence that Merz would strengthen and deepen relations between the Germans and Israelis. "We look forward to your first visit to Jerusalem as Chancellor," Saar wrote on X. Italy The Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini welcomes the result of the federal election. "Well done, Alice Weidel. Keep it up!" says the politician from the right-wing populist Lega party. "The AfD is doubling its votes, despite attacks and lies from the left. Stop illegal immigration and Islamic fanaticism, put an end to the eco-madness and give priority to peace and jobs. Europe must be radically changed." Czech Republic The Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala congratulated Merz on his election victory. "Congratulations," the liberal-conservative politician wrote in German on X. He wished Merz "a lot of strength and success" in forming the next federal government. Together they can further deepen Czech-German cooperation and work on a strong Europe. Fiala, who has been at the head of a coalition since the end of 2021, will face a parliamentary election himself in the autumn. Nato NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte congratulates Friedrich Merz on his election victory. "I look forward to working with you at this crucial moment for our common security," says the Dutch politician. It is crucial that Europe increases its defense spending, and your leadership will play a key role in this.