German Chancellor Olaf Scholz acknowledged his party’s defeat on Sunday and congratulated Friedrich Merz, the leader of the conservative opposition, after exit polls showed a clear shift in Germany’s political landscape.
"This is a bitter election result for the Social Democratic Party, it is also an electoral defeat," Scholz said in his first remarks after the vote. "Congratulations on the election result," he said, addressing Merz.
The opposition conservative CDU/CSU bloc secured 28.5 per cent of the vote, exit polls published by the ZDF public broadcaster showed. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) finished second with 20 per cent, its highest result in a national election. The Social Democrats (SPD) suffered their worst result since World War II, winning 16.5 per cent of the vote.
The Greens won 12 per cent, and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) hovered around the 5 per cent threshold required to enter parliament. The far-left Die Linke party gained 9 per cent, while the breakaway leftist party BSW, led by Sahra Wagenknecht, reached 5 per cent.
The results set the stage for complex coalition negotiations. Merz, who has not held government office before, has promised a stronger leadership style and closer cooperation with allies. He will need to form a coalition in a fragmented political environment.
The campaign took place amid a series of violent attacks and interventions from the administration of former US President Donald Trump. The political debate focused on migration and the role of the AfD, a party that mainstream groups have refused to work with due to Germany’s history with far-right politics.
Scholz may remain in office in a caretaker role while coalition talks unfold. This could delay efforts to address economic challenges after two consecutive years of contraction. Germany’s reliance on exports and its security ties with the United States add to the uncertainty.
Public sentiment has shifted on migration, a change from 2015, when Germany welcomed large numbers of refugees. The AfD has capitalised on this shift, strengthening its position despite being excluded from coalition discussions.
The election followed the collapse of Scholz’s coalition in November, after disputes over budget spending. The campaign was marked by discussions on migration, security, and economic policies. Trump administration figures, including Vice President JD Vance and billionaire Elon Musk, expressed support for the AfD, drawing attention from European leaders.
The AfD’s rise complicates governance. Though unlikely to enter government now, its growing support may influence future elections. The results could lead to a government capable of advancing policy within Germany and the European Union.
Merz has suggested reviewing Germany’s debt brake, a constitutional rule that limits government borrowing. Supporters argue that changes could allow for increased investment, a key issue in ongoing economic debates.
Source: India Today