Germany's political landscape shifted again following recent state elections, and Chancellor Friedrich Merz was quick to make his position clear. Even before the first official projections were announced, he stepped to the microphone to reaffirm his intention to push forward with reforms he sees as essential. For expats and immigrants living in Germany, the direction of federal policy matters — it shapes everything from immigration rules to labor market conditions and social benefits. Understanding who holds power and what they plan to do helps you stay ahead of changes that could affect your life here.
State elections in Germany are often seen as a barometer of public opinion and a test for the parties in the federal government. According to reports, the results created a mixed picture — with some parties celebrating and others facing difficult results. Chancellor Merz, speaking in his dual role as party leader and head of government, emphasized that he intends to keep driving reforms forward despite the pressures that state election outcomes can place on a federal coalition.
The specific reforms Merz referred to were not detailed in available reporting at this stage. However, his public commitment signals that the federal government plans to maintain its current course rather than pause or recalibrate in response to the election results.
For people living in Germany from abroad, the stability or instability of the federal government has real consequences. A government under pressure may move more slowly on legislative changes, or alternatively may try to push through reforms quickly to demonstrate momentum. Areas that could be affected include immigration law, integration programs, labor market regulation, and social support systems such as Bürgergeld and Kindergeld.
The pressure on Chancellor Merz and his government is described as likely to remain high following these elections. That pressure can come from coalition partners, opposition parties, and public opinion — all of which can influence how quickly or in what direction policy moves.
While it is too early to draw firm conclusions from this election cycle, there are a few areas worth monitoring:
None of these changes have been confirmed at this point — this is a moment to stay informed, not to act.
No state election directly changes federal immigration law. Residence permits and visas are governed by federal legislation, not by state governments. However, state election results can shift the political balance and eventually influence federal policy over time. Your current Aufenthaltstitel remains valid under existing law unless federal legislation changes.
BAMF (the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) publishes official guidance on immigration and integration policy. For labor market changes, the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) is the authoritative source. Both publish information in multiple languages. Look up their official websites directly for the most current guidance.
The political signals coming from Chancellor Merz after these state elections suggest a government determined to continue its reform agenda, even under pressure. For expats, this is a moment to stay engaged with reliable news sources and monitor any announcements that touch on immigration, labor, or social policy. No immediate action is required, but keeping informed puts you in a stronger position to respond quickly if and when concrete changes are announced.
Source: tagesschau
Want news like this in your inbox?
The most relevant news for expats in Germany, no noise.
From November 1st, Germany raises the passing standard for key language exams. Here's what it means for citizenship, permanent residence, and Integrationskurs applicants.
A leak of more than 420,000 AfD internal emails reportedly contains hate speech and discussions of potential crimes. Here's what is known and what is being investigated.
AfD co-leader Alice Weidel has revealed her party's plans for major EU reform. Here's what the proposals could mean for expats living in Germany.
