Overview

• The CDU/CSU, led by Friedrich Merz, wins the German federal election with approximately 28.5% of the vote, marking their return to power after three years in opposition.
• The SPD, under Chancellor Olaf Scholz, falls to an unprecedented low of 16.5%, finishing behind the AfD, which doubled its support to 20.5%.
• Coalition talks are expected to be challenging, with Merz ruling out cooperation with the far-right AfD and signaling a preference for a two-party alliance, potentially with the SPD or Greens.
• The FDP and the newly formed Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) face uncertainty over crossing the 5% threshold needed for parliamentary representation.
• The election saw a record-high turnout of over 83%, reflecting heightened public engagement in a politically fragmented landscape.