Provisional results confirm Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democrats (CDU) have won Germany’s national election, marking a pivotal shift in European politics. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) surged to second place, securing its strongest-ever result amid voter frustration over economic stagnation and migration policies.
Merz, poised to become chancellor, faces immediate pressure to form a coalition with the center-left Social Democrats (SPD) after their coalition government collapsed.
The world isn’t waiting for us,Merz declared, emphasizing urgency in addressing EU unity amid tensions with the U.S. and Russia. His remarks followed controversial endorsements of the AfD by Elon Musk and Trump allies.
Key election outcomes include:
- CDU: 208 seats
- AfD: 152 seats
- SPD: 120 seats
- Greens: 85 seats
The AfD’s rise, despite being monitored for extremism, reflects deepening divisions. All major parties except the AfD failed to cross the 5% threshold in three eastern states, where the party is classified as extremist. Merz has ruled out collaboration with the AfD, relying instead on a fragile alliance with the SPD.
Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz will lead a caretaker government until Easter, as Merz navigates coalition talks and mounting geopolitical pressures. Germany’s role as NATO’s backbone and Ukraine’s second-largest arms supplier adds urgency to stabilizing leadership.
Analysts warn the AfD’s growing influence could disrupt EU consensus on issues from immigration to U.S. relations. With Trump-aligned figures openly backing the far-right, Merz faces a dual challenge: uniting Europe while countering domestic polarization.
