Election Reactions Abroad: 'Merkel Can Be Very Tough'

Germany's influence in Europe is at its highest in decades, and leaders around the world watched the federal election closely. Now embarking on her third term, Chancellor Angela Merkel remains a uniting figure at home and a polarizing figure abroad.

Germany's role at the center of the euro crisis and global economics has made its election a major news topic across the globe. Many in southern Europe hate Chancellor Angela Merkel for her tough stance on austerity and structural reform in highly indebted euro-zone nations. Others welcome her pragmatic approach to politics and her authenticity.

SPIEGEL spoke to eight world leaders about the German election results and Merkel's presumed continued role as chancellor. Many say they followed the elections intently, and are curious to see what Merkel does with her new mandate. They offer predictions about what kind of coalition will form in Berlin, and how that coalition may affect their own countries.

Here are some of their thoughts.

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Newspeak 09/25/2013
Merkel is certainly NOT a uniting figure at home. A majority of germans elected left wing parties and even made Die Linke to the third most powerful party in germany. This means nothing less than a radicalisation, thus being the [...]
Merkel is certainly NOT a uniting figure at home. A majority of germans elected left wing parties and even made Die Linke to the third most powerful party in germany. This means nothing less than a radicalisation, thus being the signal of a deep, yet covered split throughout germany. Could be that the social democrats lose their second rank in german politics within the next four years. Anyhow, Merkels politics will be disastrous for germans AND europeans.
2. Angela Merkel in her third term
hello.neoscosmos 09/26/2013
I agree with Bruno Le Maire that Merkel has the opportunity to be a true leader in Europe. She needs to work for her people. However, it remains to be seen if she can work for European unity.
I agree with Bruno Le Maire that Merkel has the opportunity to be a true leader in Europe. She needs to work for her people. However, it remains to be seen if she can work for European unity.
3. Newspeak
tollted 09/26/2013
A majority of Germans did NOT elect left wing parties. Have a look at the results: CDU/CSU, FDP, AFD and Freie Wähler have 51,98% of the votes, SPD, Grüne and Die Linke (SED) 42.77% (with Die Piraten 44.96%)
A majority of Germans did NOT elect left wing parties. Have a look at the results: CDU/CSU, FDP, AFD and Freie Wähler have 51,98% of the votes, SPD, Grüne and Die Linke (SED) 42.77% (with Die Piraten 44.96%)
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