Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has called for greater European independence from the United States after exit polls confirmed a victory for his conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its sister party in Sunday’s elections.
Preliminary official results show the CDU and its Bavarian sister party winning 28.6% of the vote, positioning Merz to lead Europe’s largest economy and most populous country.
In a televised roundtable later that evening, Merz criticized U.S. involvement in the German election, likening recent Washington interventions to those from Moscow:
However, due to the “firewall” policy—an agreement among mainstream parties to exclude the AfD from governing—its path to power remains blocked.
Adding to the uncertainty, Trump’s recent unilateral peace talks on Ukraine with Russia—which excluded both Kyiv and European leaders—have sparked fresh concerns across European capitals, prompting emergency discussions on a coordinated response.
As coalition negotiations begin, Germany’s political future remains uncertain, with the CDU’s next steps set to shape the country’s direction for years to come.
Preliminary official results show the CDU and its Bavarian sister party winning 28.6% of the vote, positioning Merz to lead Europe’s largest economy and most populous country.
Merz Declares Victory, Urges European Unity
Addressing supporters at CDU headquarters in Berlin, the 69-year-old declared:The statement signaled his eagerness to swiftly begin coalition negotiations as Germany grapples with economic concerns, immigration debates, and shifting transatlantic relations following Donald Trump’s presidency.
In a televised roundtable later that evening, Merz criticized U.S. involvement in the German election, likening recent Washington interventions to those from Moscow:
Merz further stated:
His comments come amid growing tensions between Europe and the U.S., particularly following Trump’s recent foreign policy moves, which have raised concerns among European leaders.
Far-Right AfD Makes Historic Gains
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) surged to 20.8% of the vote, marking its best-ever performance in a federal election. Once considered a fringe party, the AfD is now the second-largest political force in Germany.However, due to the “firewall” policy—an agreement among mainstream parties to exclude the AfD from governing—its path to power remains blocked.
SPD Suffers Heavy Defeat as Scholz’s Coalition Collapses
Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) suffered a significant blow, securing just 16.4% of the vote. This represents a dramatic decline from its 25.7% victory in 2021, marking the end of Scholz’s "traffic light coalition" government.A Changing Political Landscape
Merz faces major challenges following the snap election, which was heavily influenced by debates on immigration, economic stability, and Trump’s return to power.Adding to the uncertainty, Trump’s recent unilateral peace talks on Ukraine with Russia—which excluded both Kyiv and European leaders—have sparked fresh concerns across European capitals, prompting emergency discussions on a coordinated response.
As coalition negotiations begin, Germany’s political future remains uncertain, with the CDU’s next steps set to shape the country’s direction for years to come.
