Friedrich Merz’s conservative CDU/CSU alliance has secured a victory in Germany’s election, with the leader set to become the next chancellor.
However, the Alternative for Germany (AfD), the far-right party, made historic gains, doubling its support to 19.5%, according to exit polls.
Merz’s win marks a significant shift in Germany’s political landscape, where his party triumphed with at least 28.5% of the vote, far surpassing Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD), which lagged with just 16%.
The rise of the AfD, fueled by rising concerns over immigration and security, poses a challenge to Merz, who has vowed to tackle irregular immigration and prevent the further growth of far-right influence.
Although the AfD’s record result has been hailed as a historic achievement by party leader Alice Weidel, it will remain in opposition for now.
All other parties have ruled out cooperation with the AfD. Merz faces the task of forming a coalition government, with discussions expected to stretch well into the spring.
The election comes during a time of geopolitical upheaval, as tensions rise in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s outreach to Russia over the Ukraine war. Many European leaders are deeply concerned about the impact of Trump’s policies on transatlantic relations.
For Merz, the stakes are high as he aims to stabilise Germany’s position both within the EU and in global affairs.
The country’s next government must urgently address pressing domestic issues or risk further erosion of the political centre, analysts warned.
