Mon Feb 24 05:06:35 UTC 2025: ## Merz’s CDU/CSU Wins German Election, but AfD’s Surge Shakes Up Politics

**Berlin** – Germany’s center-right CDU/CSU alliance, led by Friedrich Merz, secured victory in Sunday’s parliamentary elections, winning 28.6% of the vote and 208 seats. However, the hard-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) made significant gains, doubling its vote share from the last election to 20.8% and securing 152 seats, its best-ever result. This outcome marks a dramatic shift in the German political landscape.

The Social Democratic Party (SPD) of outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz suffered its worst result since World War II, winning only 120 seats. The Greens won 85 seats, Die Linke 64, and the newly formed Bundnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) secured a single seat. The Free Democratic Party failed to clear the 5% threshold.

Merz, in his victory speech, prioritized strengthening European defense independence from the United States, citing concerns over US President Donald Trump’s recent comments and perceived shift away from transatlantic alliances. He expressed uncertainty about NATO’s future and emphasized the need for a rapid establishment of an independent European defense capability. He also criticized Elon Musk’s alleged interference in the election on behalf of the AfD, claiming pressure from both Washington and Moscow.

AfD leader Alice Weidel hailed her party’s strong showing and called for coalition talks with the CDU/CSU, suggesting that excluding them would be tantamount to electoral fraud. She vowed that the AfD would eventually form the government.

Merz, facing complex coalition negotiations, indicated a preference for a partnership with the SPD, but acknowledged the possibility of a broader coalition if necessary, stressing the urgency of forming a stable government amidst global instability. President Trump welcomed the election results, praising what he termed a rejection of the previous government’s policies. The election results will undoubtedly have significant implications for Germany’s domestic and foreign policy in the coming years.

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