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3mo ago

Friedrich Merz Wins German Election, Far-Right AfD Achieves Historic Gains

Germany's Christian Democratic Union leader Friedrich Merz secures victory, while the far-right AfD records its best-ever result, reshaping the political landscape.

Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party leader Friedrich Merz speaks at the party headquarters, after the exit poll results are announced for the 2025 general election, in Berlin, Germany, February 23, 2025. REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth
CDU top candidate for chancellor Friedrich Merz talks to supporters at the main election campaign event of the Christian Democratic Union ahead of the German federal Bundestag elections on Sunday, in Oberhausen, Germany, Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
People watch first prjections at a pub in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, after the German national election. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
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Overview

  • Friedrich Merz's CDU/CSU alliance won 28.6% of the vote, making him Germany's next chancellor, while the far-right AfD surged to 20.8%, its highest share ever.
  • Merz's campaign focused heavily on migration policy, with controversial moves that included passing legislation with AfD support, breaking a historic political taboo.
  • Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz's SPD suffered a historic defeat, securing just 16.4% of the vote, the party's worst postwar result.
  • Merz has pledged to strengthen Germany's defense policies and push for greater European independence from U.S. security guarantees amidst strained transatlantic relations under Trump.
  • Coalition talks will likely result in a 'Grand Coalition' between the CDU/CSU and SPD, as Merz has ruled out any collaboration with the far-right AfD.