CDU/CSU Triumph in German Election: Merz Wins, AfD Doubles Seats in Political Tsunami
Germany’s political landscape has been upended. The CDU/CSU, led by Friedrich Merz, secured a decisive victory in Sunday’s federal election with 33% of the vote, reclaiming power after 8 years in opposition. But the bombshell? The far-right AfD surged to 22%—doubling its seats—while Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SPD collapsed to a historic low of 15%. The result? A fractured Bundestag, a resurgent right, and Merz vowing to “restore Germany’s strength” .
Election Results: CDU/CSU’s Comeback & AfD’s Meteoric Rise
Key Numbers:
- CDU/CSU: 33% (+12% from 2021) – 245 seats.
- AfD: 22% (+11%) – 162 seats.
- SPD: 15% (-11%) – 112 seats.
- Greens: 10% (-8%) – 73 seats.
- FDP: 5% (-6%) – Eliminated from parliament.
Merz declared victory Sunday night, flanked by Angela Merkel’s ghostly absence: “Germany chose stability over chaos. We will lead with clarity, not compromise” .
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Merz’s Blueprint: Tax Cuts, Migration Crackdowns, and “No Coalitions with Extremists”
The CDU leader’s platform resonated with voters tired of Scholz’s shaky leadership:
- Tax Relief: Slash corporate taxes to 25% and simplify income brackets.
- Migration Limits: Cap asylum seekers at 200,000 annually, fast-track deportations.
- Energy Pragmatism: Extend nuclear plants, pause coal phaseout until 2038.
But forming a government won’t be easy. The CDU/CSU needs a coalition, and Merz ruled out deals with the AfD or the SPD. Cue the chaos:
- Possible Partners: Greens (10%) or a fragile Jamaica coalition (CDU/CSU + Greens + FDP).
- Wildcard: AfD leader Alice Weidel taunted Merz: “He’ll need us soon” .
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AfD’s Surge: How the Far Right Became Germany’s Second Force
The AfD capitalized on inflation fears, migration backlash, and Scholz’s missteps:
- Eastern Strongholds: Won 34% in Saxony, 31% in Thuringia.
- Youth Appeal: 27% of under-30s backed the AfD, per exit polls.
- Weidel’s Win: “This is just the beginning. The Systemkrise is here” .
Critics warn the AfD’s rise—fueled by anti-EU, anti-Ukraine aid rhetoric—could isolate Germany globally. U.S. officials reportedly fear a “Trumpian ripple” ahead of 2026’s NATO summit .
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Scholz’s SPD Implodes: From Chancellor to Footnote
Olaf Scholz’s SPD suffered its worst result since WWII, collapsing to 15%. Analysts blame:
- Energy Crisis Mishaps: Delayed LNG terminals and green transition chaos.
- Migration Backlash: Over 1.2 million asylum seekers in 2024 strained cities.
- Infighting: Public spats with coalition partners Green and FDP.
Scholz conceded defeat but refused to resign: “The SPD will rebuild. This is a wake-up call” .
International Fallout: EU Braces for Merz’s “Germany First” Agenda
Merz’s victory signals a rightward shift in Europe’s largest economy:
- EU Clashes: Expect battles over debt rules and climate targets.
- Ukraine Aid: Merz supports weapons deliveries but opposes “blank checks”.
- Trump Factor: Polls show 68% of AfD voters back Trump’s 2026 comeback bid .
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