Friedrich Merz’s conservative CDU-CSU alliance has won Germany’s national election with 29% of the vote, while the far-right AfD secured a historic second-place finish with 20.2%. The results signal a major political shift in Germany and Europe, as Merz prepares to form a coalition amid complex negotiations.
Conservatives Secure Victory in German Election
Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian partner, the Christian Social Union (CSU), have emerged as the winners of Germany’s parliamentary election, securing 29% of the vote. This victory marks the return of a center-right government for the first time since Angela Merkel’s departure in 2021.
Far-Right AfD Achieves Historic Success
The Alternative for Germany (AfD), a far-right party known for its anti-migration and pro-Russia stance, won 20.2% of the vote, marking its best-ever national election result. AfD’s leader, Alice Weidel, described the outcome as an “historic success” and expressed willingness to work with the CDU-CSU, though Merz has firmly ruled out any coalition with the party.
Challenges in Coalition Formation
Despite the CDU-CSU’s victory, forming a stable government will be a challenge. Smaller parties, such as The Left (8.5%), the liberal Free Democrats (4.9%), and the populist-left Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (4.8%), will play a crucial role in coalition negotiations. If two of these three fail to reach the 5% threshold required to enter the Bundestag, Merz could form a simpler two-party coalition. Otherwise, a complex three-party alliance may be necessary.
SPD Suffers Historic Defeat
Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) recorded its worst-ever national election result, securing only 16% of the vote. Scholz acknowledged responsibility for the defeat and warned about the dangers of AfD’s rising influence. Meanwhile, the Greens, who had been part of the outgoing coalition, finished in fourth place with 13.3%.
Geopolitical Implications of Merz’s Leadership
Merz’s rise to power comes at a crucial time for Europe. With Donald Trump’s foreign policy stance raising uncertainties about U.S. commitments to NATO, Germany’s new government will need to navigate shifting global dynamics. Merz has positioned himself as a strong leader aiming to restore Germany’s influence in Europe and beyond.
Conclusion
Germany’s election results indicate a significant political transformation, with the CDU-CSU returning to power and the far-right AfD making historic gains. Coalition talks will determine the country’s future political stability, while the election’s impact will be felt across Europe.
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