Germany’s 2025 Election Results: Who Won, Who Lost, and What’s Next?

In Germany’s highly anticipated 2025 national election, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) emerged victorious, making it the frontrunner to lead the next government. This win positions CDU leader Friedrich Merz as the likely next chancellor of Germany. However, the far-right and the left-wing parties were the biggest gainers in the election. Here’s a breakdown of the key outcomes, surprises, and what’s next for Germany’s political future.

Key Election Results: Who Came Out on Top?

1. Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) – First Place: The CDU, alongside its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), topped the results with 28.6% of the vote. This result sets the stage for the formation of the next coalition government, with Friedrich Merz now positioned to become the next German chancellor.
2. Alternative for Germany (AfD) – Far-Right Surge: The far-right, anti-immigrant party AfD made a significant breakthrough, securing 20.8% of the vote, nearly doubling its 2021 support. AfD’s strong performance, especially in eastern Germany, marks the largest far-right gain in Germany since World War II.
3. Social Democrats (SPD) – A Sharp Decline: SPD, led by outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz, fell to third place with only 16.4% of the vote. This was a major setback for the party, reflecting a nearly 10-point decline compared to their 2021 performance.
4. Greens and The Left – Modest Gains: The Greens earned 11.6%, while the far-left Die Linke (The Left) secured 8.8% of the vote, maintaining a presence in the Bundestag. Both parties showed some resilience, but their results still reflected a broader shift in the political landscape.

Friedrich Merz: Who Is Germany’s Likely New Chancellor?

At the forefront of the Christian Democrats is Friedrich Merz, a seasoned politician and multimillionaire lawyer. First elected to the European Parliament in 1989, Merz has spent decades in and out of politics. After Angela Merkel’s retirement, Merz was re-elected as CDU leader in 2022. A social conservative with a focus on European defense, Merz has vowed to lead Germany reliably while prioritizing European independence from the US.

AfD’s Historic Surge: What Does It Mean for Germany?

AfD’s rise to 20.8% signals a dramatic shift in Germany’s political landscape. The far-right party’s significant gains highlight growing public dissatisfaction with immigration policies and the European Union, particularly in eastern regions. Though AfD is unlikely to be invited into any coalition government, their growing influence in parliament will shape Germany’s future policy discussions, particularly around immigration and the EU.

The Left and Other Parties: Who Else Gained?

• Die Linke (The Left): With 8.8%, The Left party nearly doubled its support since the last election, notably performing well in Berlin with 19.9% of the vote.
• Greens: The environmentalist party secured 11.6%, which represents a 3% decline from 2021. Party leader Robert Habeck acknowledged the disappointing result.
• Federal Democratic Party (FDP): The FDP, which played a significant role in triggering the election by abandoning the coalition over a budget dispute, performed poorly with just 4.3%. The party did not meet the 5% threshold for proportional representation and will lose its seats in the Bundestag.

What’s Next for Germany?

As the CDU prepares to form a new coalition, Friedrich Merz faces a delicate task. To secure a majority, he will need at least 316 seats in the 630-member Bundestag. Merz has ruled out collaborating with AfD, citing fundamental differences. The most viable option for a majority coalition is a grand coalition with the SPD, which would bring 328 seats in total.

The potential for a three-way coalition with the Greens and The Left remains, but it could be more fragile, given conflicting policy priorities. For instance, the CDU favors corporate tax cuts, while the Greens push for higher taxes on the wealthy and renewable energy initiatives.

Can the AfD Join the Government?

AfD leaders have claimed victory, even though their party is unlikely to be invited into a coalition. Co-leader Alice Weidel has argued that if Merz chooses to partner with left-wing parties instead, it would constitute “electoral fraud.” AfD has already signaled its readiness to take part in future coalition talks, positioning itself as a key player on the right wing of Europe’s political spectrum.

Conclusion: What’s Next for Germany’s Political Landscape?

As Friedrich Merz and the CDU work to form a new government, it is clear that Germany’s political future will be defined by significant changes. The rise of the far-right and the shift toward more populist policies are reshaping the national conversation. The next coalition’s ability to balance competing interests, both domestically and on the European stage, will determine the direction of Germany for years to come.