Nausėda says German election result is worrying

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said he was disappointed by the Alternative for Germany’s victory in elections in Saxony-Anhalt, while warning that the growing strength of populist forces in some German states could reshape national politics.

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I assess it as a disappointment. Unfortunately, it was a disappointment that could be predicted by looking at opinion polls or the mood in Germany.

“I assess it as a disappointment. Unfortunately, it was a disappointment that could be predicted by looking at opinion polls or the mood in Germany,” Nausėda told journalists in the Lithuanian parliament. He said foreign policy was far from the only factor influencing voters when they went to the polls.

Nausėda said Lithuania nevertheless expected Germany to keep its commitments. He described Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government as consistent and empathetic in its support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. He also said German policy toward Lithuania had been friendly and constructive, and expressed hope that agreements on infrastructure and preparations to host a full German brigade in Lithuania would be implemented.

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The strengthening and entrenchment of populist forces in some German states is worrying.

The Lithuanian president also linked the German political shift to the next EU budget debate. He said some changes could help produce greater agreement on a stricter European migration policy, but warned that calls for Germany to contribute less to common EU finances could grow stronger. The proposed 2028-2034 budget totals about 2 trillion euros, and Nausėda said negotiations could extend into Lithuania’s period holding the rotating presidency of the EU Council.

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I think the foreign policy of Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his government was very clearly identifiable, very consistent, with great empathy and assistance for Ukraine in its war against the aggressor Russia.