2025 German Federal Election; A Political Landscape Transformed

2025-03-02

The 2025 German federal election marked a significant shift in the country’s political landscape, with the conservative CDU/CSU alliance emerging as the clear winner, securing 28.5% of the vote. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved a historic second-place finish with 20.8%, doubling its support from the previous election. Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) suffered a dramatic decline, dropping to 16.4%, its worst result since World War II. The Greens, part of the previous coalition, also saw a decline, securing 11.6% of the vote. Meanwhile, the liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP) failed to meet the 5% threshold to enter parliament, leading to the resignation of its leader, Christian Lindner.

Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU, is poised to become Germany’s next chancellor. He emphasized the need for swift coalition formation, warning against prolonged negotiations. Merz also signaled a shift in foreign policy, criticizing the U.S. under President Donald Trump and advocating for greater European independence in defense and security. He hinted at potential changes to NATO’s structure and called for unity within Europe to address global challenges.

The AfD’s strong performance, particularly in former East German states, has raised concerns about the party’s growing influence. AfD co-leader Alice Weidel described the result as “historic” and criticized other parties for excluding the AfD from coalition talks. The party’s success has sparked fears about the future of Germany’s political climate, particularly regarding migration and social cohesion.

The election results have left the SPD reeling, with Scholz acknowledging the “bitter” outcome and ruling out participation in coalition talks. The Greens, while weakened, remain open to potential coalition negotiations, though their role in the next government is uncertain. The Left Party saw a resurgence, securing 8.8% of the vote, while the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance narrowly missed the 5% threshold.

As Germany prepares for a new government, the election has underscored deep divisions within the country and the challenges ahead for Merz in forming a stable coalition. The results also highlight the growing influence of far-right politics in Germany, raising questions about the future direction of the nation and its role in Europe.

FDP leader resigns after German election result – as it happened

This blog has now closed. You can read our full report on the election here and find all our coverage of the election here

www.theguardian.com

German election victor Merz plans pivot from US as coalition talks loom

Friedrich Merz faces complex coalition negotiations after the far-right AfD surged to a historic second place in a fractured vote after the collapse o

www.reuters.com

German election: Merz's CDU wins election, AfD second – DW – 02/24/2025

Germany's electoral authority declared the CDU/CSU conservative bloc as the winner in preliminary results. Conservative leader Friedrich Merz urged Eu

www.dw.com

Polls open in high-stakes German election watched closely by Europe and US

Conservative Friedrich Merz is expected to win, but the far-right AfD is set for a strong second place.

www.bbc.com

German Elections 2025: Opinion polls indicate major shift in Germany’s national elections

2025 German Federal Election: The AfD is now positioned to make history, with polls suggesting it could become the country’s second-largest political

indianexpress.com

Latest news reports on FRANCE, French politics and culture - France 24

Follow FRANCE 24’s coverage of events in Paris and across France, Corsica and the French overseas territories. An insider look at French politics, cul

www.france24.com