Friedrich Merz is poised to become Germany’s next chancellor after his conservative alliance, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU), emerged victorious in the country’s 2025 federal election, according to preliminary results.

The CDU/CSU bloc secured 28.5% of the vote, leading the race ahead of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) with 20.6% and the ruling Social Democratic Party (SPD), which suffered a major setback at 16.5%, according to German public broadcaster ARD. The Greens followed with 11.8%, while Die Linke secured 8.7%. The Free Democratic Party (FDP) and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) received 4.4% and 4.9%, respectively.

With these results, the CDU/CSU is now in a strong position to lead coalition talks and form the next German government. Merz, the conservative bloc’s chancellor candidate, wasted no time in declaring his intention to move forward swiftly.

“Tonight, we celebrate, but from tomorrow, we begin work. The world will not wait for us,” Merz stated after the vote count. He emphasized the urgency of forming a government, aiming to have a coalition in place by Easter.

Scholz admits defeat, SPD suffers historic loss

Incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz acknowledged the SPD’s poor performance, calling it a "bitter defeat." He confirmed he would remain in office until a new government is formed.

“This is a difficult election result for the SPD. I take full responsibility,” Scholz said.

The election outcome marks a significant shift in German politics, as the SPD’s poor showing signals widespread dissatisfaction with the current government.

AfD gains ground, but remains isolated

The far-right AfD nearly doubled its vote share compared to the 2021 election, with party co-leader Alice Weidel celebrating the result as a “historic success” and proof that the AfD has become part of the political mainstream.

Despite its gains, the AfD remains politically isolated. Merz has ruled out forming a coalition with the party, maintaining the long-standing stance of Germany’s major political groups against cooperating with the far-right.

A new direction for Germany

As coalition negotiations begin, Merz is expected to focus on stabilizing the economy, strengthening Germany’s role in Europe, and redefining the country’s transatlantic ties. He has expressed a vision of greater

European independence, particularly in light of the Trump administration’s perceived indifference toward the continent.

With voter turnout reaching 84%—the highest since 1990—Germany has signaled its readiness for change. Now, all eyes are on Friedrich Merz as he prepares to take the helm and shape the country’s future.

(With inputs from syndicated feed)

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