Germany Holds Early Bundestag Election Following Coalition Collapse

Voters across the country cast ballots under a new electoral system aimed at reducing the size of parliament.

The early Bundestag election was triggered by the collapse of the SPD-led 'traffic light' coalition in November 2024, resulting in the dissolution of parliament by the federal president.
New electoral rules reduce the Bundestag from 733 to 630 seats, eliminating overhang and compensation mandates, with representation now based solely on second votes.
Approximately 59 million Germans are eligible to vote, including millions casting their ballots in key states like North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, and Berlin.
Pre-election polling indicates the CDU/CSU leading nationally, while the SPD and Greens are expected to face losses compared to their 2021 results.
The election outcome is anticipated to result in complex coalition-building, as no single party is projected to achieve a majority in the Bundestag.