Merz Leads Germany’s Election, Pledges Support for Ukraine \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Germany’s conservative Christian Democrats, led by Friedrich Merz, have won the national election, securing the largest number of seats in parliament and reinforcing Germany’s support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) surged to second place, capitalizing on concerns over immigration and economic stagnation. Merz is expected to form a coalition government, though he has ruled out working with AfD. The results mark a major shift in German politics, as mainstream parties face growing pressure from the far-right while navigating Europe’s relationship with the U.S. under Trump.
Germany Election Results: Quick Looks
- Merz Leads Conservatives to Victory: Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) won the national election, securing Germany’s leadership for the next term.
- AfD Surges to Second Place: The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) made historic gains, becoming Germany’s second-largest political force.
- Social Democrats Suffer Heavy Losses: Olaf Scholz’s SPD collapsed, marking a major defeat for the outgoing chancellor.
- Merz Pledges Stronger Support for Ukraine: The new government is expected to reinforce Germany’s commitment to Ukraine, even as Trump reshapes U.S. foreign policy.
- Markets React Positively: German stocks rose following the election, signaling investor optimism over economic reforms under Merz.
- Coalition Talks Begin: Merz is expected to form a government by Easter, likely excluding AfD from any coalition.
- What’s Next? Germany’s political landscape is shifting, with concerns over immigration, economic stagnation, and relations with the U.S. shaping the country’s future.
Deep Look
Germany’s political landscape has undergone a major transformation, with the mainstream conservative Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU), led by Friedrich Merz, emerging victorious in the country’s early national elections.
The vote signals a rejection of the outgoing center-left government, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose Social Democratic Party (SPD) suffered a significant defeat. However, the election also marked a historic breakthrough for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which surged to become the second-largest party, reflecting widespread voter frustration over immigration, economic challenges, and national security concerns.
With Merz now set to form a coalition government, the results have major implications for Germany’s leadership in Europe, its support for Ukraine, and its relationship with the United States under the Trump administration.
A Conservative Victory, But a Divided Parliament
Germany’s election results reshaped the country’s political balance:
- Merz’s Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) won 208 seats in the 630-seat Bundestag, making them the largest party.
- AfD surged to second place with 152 seats, the strongest showing for a far-right party in Germany since World War II.
- The three-party coalition of the outgoing government collapsed, with the SPD falling to 120 seats, the Greens to 85, and the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) failing to reach the 5% threshold needed to enter parliament.
- The far-left party led by Sahra Wagenknecht narrowly missed the electoral threshold, while The Left party secured 64 seats.
While Merz’s victory strengthens Germany’s mainstream conservative bloc, the strong showing of AfD highlights growing dissatisfaction with traditional parties.
AfD’s Rise: A Warning to the Establishment
AfD’s historic gains mark a turning point in German politics, as it continues to capitalize on frustrations over immigration, security concerns, and economic stagnation.
The party’s anti-immigrant platform resonated with voters, particularly amid rising concerns over crime and integration challenges, as well as a backlash against high levels of refugee admissions over the past decade.
AfD leaders celebrated their gains, vowing to continue their push to become Germany’s largest party in the next election. However, their rise has alarmed mainstream parties, as AfD remains under scrutiny by domestic intelligence agencies for suspected right-wing extremism.
Merz has ruled out forming a coalition with AfD, stating that Germany must “remove the breeding ground” that allows the far-right to thrive.
Merz Pledges Stronger European Unity Amid U.S. and Russian Challenges
Friedrich Merz, widely expected to become Germany’s next chancellor, has positioned himself as a strong advocate for European unity, particularly in response to uncertainty over U.S. foreign policy under Trump and ongoing threats from Russia.
In his first post-election press conference, Merz expressed concerns about the Trump administration’s shifting priorities:
“If those who not only promote ‘America First,’ but almost ‘America Alone’ prevail, then it will be difficult. But I remain hopeful that we will succeed in maintaining the transatlantic relationship.”
Merz warned against the U.S. making deals with Russia “over the heads of Europeans”, emphasizing that Germany must remain a key player in shaping the future of Ukraine and European security.
Germany has been Ukraine’s second-largest weapons supplier after the United States, and Merz vowed to continue supporting Kyiv against Russian aggression.
Economic Renewal Hopes Rise as Markets React to Merz’s Victory
The Christian Democrats’ victory was welcomed by financial markets, with German stocks rising amid optimism that a stable, pro-business government will take shape.
Germany, Europe’s largest economy, has struggled in recent years, facing:
- Economic stagnation and slow growth.
- An energy crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
- Public frustration over high taxes, inflation, and bureaucracy.
Merz has pledged to implement economic reforms aimed at reducing regulation, attracting investment, and restoring Germany’s economic strength.
Scholz’s Social Democrats Suffer Heavy Losses
The election results were a crushing blow to Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), which saw its support plummet after three years of infighting and unpopular policies.
Scholz’s coalition collapsed in November, triggering early elections seven months ahead of schedule.
While Scholz also supported Ukraine, his leadership faced criticism for delays in providing military aid, leading to strained relations with Western partners.
For now, Scholz will remain in office as the head of a caretaker government until a new coalition is formed.
Germany’s Role in a Changing World Order
With Trump ally Elon Musk and Vice President JD Vance openly backing AfD, Germany’s election has broader geopolitical significance.
Merz’s strong pro-European stance signals that he will push for greater EU cohesion, especially if Trump shifts U.S. foreign policy away from traditional European alliances.
What’s Next for Germany?
- Merz will begin coalition negotiations, likely with the defeated Social Democrats to form a majority government.
- AfD’s record-breaking results will reshape German politics, even if it remains isolated by mainstream parties.
- Ukraine’s support from Germany is expected to continue, but how Merz balances relations with a Trump-led U.S. remains to be seen.
- Economic reforms will be a top priority, as Germany seeks to regain its position as Europe’s economic powerhouse.
As Germany enters a new political era, the stakes are high for both its domestic future and its role on the global stage.
