Germany Election Results: Historic Political Shift in Germany After World War II
Berlin, 24 February – (www.deccanlive.com): Friedrich Merz’s conservative alliance has won the election in Germany, but forming a stable government remains a challenge. No party has secured a clear majority, making coalition management a key issue throughout the term. Merz, a longtime opposition leader, is known for his strong speeches and nationalist stance.
With Donald Trump in power in the U.S., Vladimir Putin leading Russia, and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni representing conservative politics, Germany has now seen a major political shift. Conservative leader Friedrich Merz will take charge after a close electoral battle, leading to the defeat of Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has accepted the loss.
One of the most surprising outcomes is the rise of the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has gained significant support. Its vote share has doubled from 10.3% in 2021 to 20.5% now. This is the first time since World War II that AfD has achieved such widespread public backing.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has accepted the election results, calling them “disappointing.” Friedrich Merz’s conservative alliance secured 28.5% of the votes, aligning with exit poll predictions. Scholz, known for his centrist stance, led the Social Democrats (SPD), which suffered a historic low of just 16%—its worst result since World War II.
Germany’s lower house, the Bundestag, has 630 seats, and this election saw significant political polarization. The elections were held after Scholz’s government collapsed in November 2024.
Key Issues in the Election
Voters were mainly concerned about slow economic growth, rising illegal immigration, and the future of Ukraine and the European Union. Many people supported the conservatives due to their stance on immigration and Ukraine. Despite winning, Friedrich Merz faces challenges in forming a stable government, as no party has secured a clear majority, making coalition-building crucial. Merz, a longtime opposition leader, is known for his strong speeches and nationalist views.
Historic Win for the Far-Right
The most striking outcome was the rise of Alternative for Germany (AfD), a far-right party that secured a historic victory. The party, known for its strong stance against illegal immigration, has now become a major force in mainstream politics. However, Merz has expressed opposition to forming a coalition with AfD. It remains to be seen which parties will join the ruling alliance.
