Midterms 2026 – German reactions: Johann Wadephul hopes for new congressional initiatives for aid to Ukraine

"We will continue our close cooperation with the USA, even if there is now a different constellation in the two chambers," a government spokesman initially said.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU), on the other hand, said in a press statement in the Bundestag that he was "somewhat confident that there will now be more discussions in Congress between both parties about what we can do together to support Ukraine." There are staunch supporters of Ukraine in Congress, both among Democrats and Republicans, who have a clear view that the Russian war of aggression not only threatens security and freedom in Europe, but also for the USA. “Perhaps this is also a new opportunity to take a new initiative at one point or another,” said Wadephul. For Germany, the election result means “both continuity and change”.

Pistorius sees “historic victory” for Democrats

Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) spoke of a “historic victory” for the Democrats. At the same time, he emphasized that Germany would continue to work together in a spirit of trust with the US government, "which will not change anything and will be in office for another two years."

According to Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU), there is now a "chance for a new beginning" in relations. “Instead of confrontation, we want more cooperation,” the CSU leader wrote on We are old friends and are always ready to breathe more life into our partnership.«

Left leader Ines Schwerdtner spoke of a “crushing defeat for the global right.” Strengthening the left wing of the US Democrats in particular is “the basis for the work of a left-wing president who could be elected in 2028.”

Green party leader Katharina Dröge was also pleased. The election result is "great news for American democracy and a signal of hope far beyond the USA," Dröge told the AFP news agency.

You can read all current developments, reports from SPIEGEL correspondents across the country and analyzes at any time in the live blog. You can read international reactions to the outcome of the midterms here.