Friedrich Merz Leads CDU to Victory in Historic German Election

The CDU emerges as the largest party, while the SPD faces a historic defeat and the AfD becomes the second-strongest force in the Bundestag.

The CDU/CSU secured around 29% of the vote, marking a clear win but falling short of the 30% threshold many in the party had hoped for.
The SPD suffered its worst-ever result in a Bundestag election, with approximately 16% of the vote, as Chancellor Olaf Scholz conceded defeat and took responsibility for the loss.
The AfD doubled its previous vote share, achieving roughly 20% and becoming the second-largest party, though other parties maintain a firm stance against forming coalitions with it.
The Linke party staged a significant comeback, surpassing 8%, while the newly formed BSW and the FDP hover near the 5% threshold, leaving their Bundestag status uncertain.
Voter turnout reached a historic high of 84%, the highest since German reunification, reflecting heightened public engagement in this pivotal election.