5 Key Takeaways From Germany’s Election 2025 Results

Germany’s early parliamentary election in 2025, triggered by the collapse of the governing coalition, has brought some surprising outcomes that will have significant European political impact. With Friedrich Merz and the CDU/CSU coalition securing a strong victory, the results have wide-reaching implications for both Germany and the broader European political landscape. Here are five key takeaways from the Germany election 2025:

1. Friedrich Merz Set to Become Chancellor

Following the CDU/CSU victory, Friedrich Merz is poised to become Germany’s next chancellor. The center-right coalition, made up of Merz’s CDU and the Christian Social Union (CSU), secured the largest share of votes, setting the stage for a German political shift. Merz, a businessman and long-time aspirant for the top position, will inherit a nation facing economic struggles and strained relations with the U.S. under President Trump. Despite mixed public opinion about him, Merz’s leadership could offer Germany a stable government amid uncertainty in Europe.

2. NATO and Trump’s Influence Shape the Vote

The election results also reflect European political impact from external pressures, particularly the U.S. and NATO. Concerns about President Trump’s policies and his increasingly indifferent stance toward Europe weighed heavily on voters. Friedrich Merz quickly called for an independent European defense capacity in response to Germany's vulnerability to both the Trump administration and President Putin. This growing anxiety helped solidify Merz’s position as the leader to manage the challenges ahead.

3. AfD Surge Yet to Translate into Major Gains

The AfD surge in the election, fueled by the party's hard-right rhetoric and support from figures like Elon Musk and JD Vance, failed to meet expectations. While the AfD saw a significant rise in vote share, particularly in former East Germany, its support fell short of earlier polls’ projections. The far-right's far-right gains were not enough to deliver a stronger showing, indicating a rejection of extreme politics by many voters, despite their growing concerns over immigration and national security.

4. SPD Decline and Merz’s Coalition Negotiations

Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SPD decline was a major surprise in the Germany election 2025, with the party receiving only 16% of the vote—its worst result in decades. Although Scholz will remain as a caretaker chancellor until Merz’s formal appointment, it’s widely expected that he will step down. The coalition negotiations to form the next government will likely see the SPD relegated to a junior partner in a new coalition led by Merz’s CDU/CSU, reviving the so-called “grand coalition” that governed Germany during Merkel’s tenure.

5. Die Linke’s Resurgence Amid Shifting Political Tides

One of the most unexpected developments was the Die Linke surge, as the left-wing party managed a dramatic recovery, securing nearly 9% of the vote. Just months ago, the party was in decline, but a revitalized leadership and social media-driven campaigning helped attract young voters, particularly those disillusioned with mainstream parties. This shift indicates a growing German political shift and a demand for alternative solutions, especially on issues like immigration and social welfare.

Looking Ahead

The Germany election 2025 has set the stage for important coalition negotiations as Merz prepares to form a new government. With the rise of far-right populism and a clear shift away from the Social Democrats, Germany's next steps will have lasting effects on its role in Europe. The results suggest that the country is moving toward a more conservative, less U.S.-dependent future, with potential ripple effects for the European political impact in the years to come. As Germany grapples with these shifts, the future of the European Union may depend on how it navigates the tensions between economic stability and political extremism.