Updated at 17:53,27-03-2024

UDF congratulates leaders of German parties

BelaPAN

The United Democratic Forces (UDF) has congratulated German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Guido Westerwelle, leaders of the parties that are expected to form a coalition government following Germany’s federal parliamentary elections on Sunday.

In its message, the UDF expresses hope that the new ruling coalition will pursue a "new" policy regarding Belarus, and that values will be given priority over economic pragmatism in German-Belarusian relations.

According to preliminary reports, the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union of Bavaria (CDU/CSU), a bloc led by Ms. Merkel, won 33.8 percent of the vote in Sunday's elections.

It was followed by the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) with 23 percent, the Free Democratic Party (FDP), which is chaired by Dr. Westerwelle, with 14.6 percent, the Left with 11.9 percent and the Alliance 90/Greens with 10.7 percent.