The CDU celebrates, the SPD suffers defeat, and the AfD makes history. The snap elections in Germany, triggered by the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s center-left coalition, have resulted in a sharp shift to the right.
As a result of the vote, the victorious conservative bloc is almost certain to lead the new ruling coalition—however, the process of forming a government may not be easy. Voter turnout reached 83%, significantly higher than the 76.6% recorded in 2021. This marks the highest level of civic engagement since German reunification.
Friedrich Merz managed to mobilize voters by capitalizing on criticism of the government’s migration and economic policies. This strategy paid off: conservatives have once again become the dominant force in German politics.
The right-wing party achieved a historic result, doubling its share compared to the 2021 elections. Key issues—immigration, economic troubles, and pro-Russian views—resonated with disillusioned voters, especially in the east of the country, where the party emerged as the strongest force.
After a crisis and the departure of star politician Sahra Wagenknecht, the party managed an unexpected revival, attracting young voters dissatisfied with the rise of right-wing forces.
The Social Democrats posted their worst result in a national election in over a century. Olaf Scholz announced that he would not join the new government, and the party is preparing for a leadership change. Nevertheless, the SPD is likely to enter a coalition with the CDU/CSU.
The Free Democratic Party, led by former finance minister Christian Lindner, suffered the biggest defeat, failing to clear the 5% threshold and losing its seats in the Bundestag. Lindner announced the end of his political career.
The new left-wing party founded by Wagenknecht gained momentum last year but lost steam before the elections. In the end, it secured 4.972% of the vote, falling just short of the required threshold to enter parliament.
The Greens lost three percentage points compared to the previous election. High energy prices and disappointment with Economy Minister Robert Habeck’s policies led to a decline in support. The party is unlikely to be part of the new government, which could weaken the country’s environmental policies.
