CDU/CSU Triumphs in Germany's 2025 Federal Election
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), have emerged as the winners of Germany’s 2025 federal election, securing 28.6% of the vote, according to preliminary results. The conservative alliance, led by Friedrich Merz, is now poised to form the next government, though coalition negotiations are expected to take weeks. Merz has ruled out cooperation with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which achieved its strongest-ever result with 20.8% of the vote, solidifying its position as the second-largest party in the Bundestag.
The Social Democratic Party (SPD), led by outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz, suffered a historic defeat, dropping to 16.4% of the vote. The Greens, junior partners in Scholz’s coalition, also saw a decline in support, securing 11.6%. Meanwhile, the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) and the left-wing populist BSW failed to meet the 5% threshold required to enter parliament, simplifying coalition options for Merz. The Left Party, however, surged to 8.8%, marking a significant recovery.
Merz, who is likely to become Germany’s next chancellor, has emphasised the need for swift coalition talks to form a stable government. He has signalled a preference for a two-party coalition with the SPD, a partnership that would mirror previous “grand coalitions” under former Chancellor Angela Merkel. However, Merz faces the challenge of balancing domestic priorities, such as economic reform and migration policy, with Germany’s role as a key player in European and transatlantic relations.
The election has also highlighted deep regional divides, with the AfD dominating in eastern Germany and the CDU/CSU maintaining strongholds in the south and west. The AfD’s rise, coupled with its controversial rhetoric and ties to far-right extremism, has sparked concerns about the future of Germany’s political landscape. As coalition talks begin, the focus will be on whether Merz can unite a fractured electorate and steer Germany through a period of economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
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