German Chancellor Olaf Scholz conceded defeat on Sunday, acknowledging the electoral setback for his Social Democratic Party (SPD) as the opposition conservative bloc, led by Friedrich Merz, secured victory in the general elections.
Exit polls indicated a significant shift in Germany’s political landscape, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieving its highest-ever result.
Scholz, in his first remarks following the vote, described the outcome as a “bitter election result” for the SPD. Addressing Merz, he stated, “Congratulations on the election result.”
According to projections by the ZDF public broadcaster, the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) bloc won 28.5 per cent of the vote.
The AfD secured a record 20 per cent, while the SPD suffered its worst performance since World War II, garnering only 16.5 per cent.
The Greens obtained 12 per cent, the Free Democratic Party (FDP) hovered around the 5 per cent threshold required to enter parliament, and the far-left Die Linke polled 9 per cent.
Meanwhile, the breakaway leftist movement, led by Sahra Wagenknecht, crossed the 5 per cent mark.
The results set the stage for complex coalition negotiations, as Merz, who has never held government office, seeks to form a governing alliance. He has pledged strong leadership and closer ties with international allies.
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The election campaign was dominated by concerns over migration, national security, and economic stagnation. The political discourse was also influenced by the interventions of former US President Donald Trump’s administration.
Trump’s Vice President, JD Vance, and billionaire Elon Musk openly expressed support for the AfD, drawing scrutiny from European leaders.
The collapse of Scholz’s coalition in November, due to disputes over budget allocations, further fuelled voter discontent.
The SPD-led government had struggled to navigate Germany’s economic downturn, with the country experiencing two consecutive years of economic contraction.
Public sentiment on migration has shifted dramatically since 2015, when Germany welcomed a large influx of refugees.
The AfD has capitalised on this changing perception, strengthening its foothold in national politics despite being ostracised by mainstream parties.
With coalition talks expected to be protracted, Scholz may remain in office in a caretaker capacity, delaying urgent economic policy decisions.
Germany’s reliance on exports and its strategic security ties with the United States add to the prevailing uncertainty.
Merz has signalled his intent to review Germany’s debt brake, a constitutional measure limiting government borrowing.
Advocates argue that reforming this policy could enable greater investment, a crucial issue in economic deliberations.
Though the AfD is unlikely to join the government, its growing influence could shape policy debates and future electoral outcomes.
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