Germany|Opposition Bloc Wins German Elections as Concerns Over Far-Right Rise

Early parliamentary elections in Germany resulted in a significant victory for the opposition bloc of the Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU), led by Friedrich Merz, who secured 28.7% of the vote. Current Chancellor Olaf Scholz acknowledged defeat for his Social Democratic Party (SPD), which recorded its lowest-ever result at 16.4%.

In his victory speech, Merz emphasized the urgency of forming a new government: “The world is not waiting for us.” He expressed gratitude to voters and highlighted the importance of establishing a stable coalition for effective governance.

Scholz described the election outcome as a “bitter result” for the SPD, taking responsibility for the party’s failure. He congratulated Merz on his victory and urged him to avoid collaboration with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which achieved a historic second-place finish with 19.8% of the vote. The AfD’s rise has raised alarm among Germany’s political establishment, with Scholz asserting that any cooperation with the party is unacceptable and calling on all democratic forces to adhere to this principle.

With a voter turnout of 83%, the election reflects heightened public interest in Germany’s political processes. However, the results complicate coalition-building efforts, as major parties remain unwilling to partner with the AfD.

Merz is known for his staunch support of increased military aid to Ukraine, advocating for the provision of long-range Taurus cruise missiles and emphasizing the need for coordination with European partners. This stance contrasts sharply with Scholz’s more cautious approach, which ruled out supplying such missiles to Ukraine. This divergence was a central issue in the election debates and likely influenced voter preferences amid the ongoing geopolitical crisis.

In a notable statement following his victory, Merz asserted that Ukraine’s key objective should be achieving independence from U.S. influence. He criticized American policy as being indifferent to Ukraine’s fate, suggesting that this neglect compels Kyiv to reconsider its strategic alliances. Merz argued that Ukraine’s reliance on U.S. aid—both military and financial—has become a double-edged sword, urging Europe to take greater responsibility for supporting Kyiv’s future.

Experts believe Merz’s victory and the AfD’s success could herald significant changes in the country’s approach to both domestic and foreign policy.