German Election 2025 Live Results: By the Numbers

 German Election 2025 Live Results: By the Numbers

The results of the 2025 German federal election have sent shockwaves through the political landscape, with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) securing the most votes and Friedrich Merz signaling his intention to quickly form a new government. However, the surprise performance of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which secured its highest-ever share of the vote, has complicated the situation. This election marks a critical turning point for Germany as it faces a series of internal and external challenges, from the sluggish economy to rising concerns over immigration and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Election Results Overview

Germany’s CDU, under the leadership of Friedrich Merz, emerged as the party with the most support, winning 30% of the national vote. This puts the CDU in a strong position to form a new government, although they will need to navigate coalition talks with other parties. The AfD, led by Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, secured 20% of the vote, marking a historic achievement for the far-right party. This surge places them in second place, just behind the CDU, and signals a shift towards right-wing populism in Germany.

The Social Democratic Party (SPD), the incumbent party led by Olaf Scholz, saw a significant loss, securing only 15% of the vote. Scholz, who has been the Chancellor since 2021, acknowledged the “bitter” defeat and congratulated Merz on his success. Despite the loss, the SPD remains a key player in the coalition negotiations that will follow.

The Key Players and Parties

• CDU/CSU (Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union): The CDU is led by Friedrich Merz, who became the party leader in 2021 following Angela Merkel’s resignation. The Christian Social Union (CSU), based in Bavaria, is the CDU’s sister party, led by Markus Söder.

• AfD (Alternative for Germany): Co-led by Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, the AfD is a far-right party that advocates for stricter immigration policies, less European Union involvement, and a strong nationalistic agenda. Weidel, 46, serves as the party’s chancellor candidate and has been a prominent critic of Germany’s immigration policies.

• SPD (Social Democratic Party): Led by Olaf Scholz, the SPD has traditionally been Germany’s center-left party. Scholz, 66, has been the incumbent Chancellor, but the party’s poor performance in the 2025 elections is seen as a direct consequence of dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy and his party’s position on immigration and climate policies.

• The Greens (Alliance 90/The Greens): The Greens, co-led by Franziska Brantner and Felix Banaszak, focus on environmental and climate change policies. Robert Habeck, the current vice chancellor, serves as the Greens' candidate for Chancellor. The Greens have been critical of the CDU’s approach to climate policy but have remained firm in their stance for greener solutions.

• The Left (Die Linke): The Left Party, co-led by Ines Schwerdtner and Jan van Aken, advocates for strong social welfare policies and protection of workers’ rights. They have found increasing support in certain regions, especially in eastern Germany, but their influence remains limited compared to the larger parties.

• FDP (Free Democratic Party): Led by Christian Lindner, the FDP is a center-right party that advocates for free-market policies, individual liberty, and lower taxes. Lindner’s party has generally aligned with the CDU in past coalitions, but their position in the 2025 election is still up for negotiation.

Key Issues in the Election

Several key issues dominated the 2025 campaign, including:

1. Economy: Germany has faced economic stagnation in recent years, with unemployment standing at 6.2% and a recession that has lasted for two years. Many voters expressed frustration over high taxes, stagnant wages, and the rising cost of living. The debt brake (which limits government borrowing) has been a significant point of contention, with parties like the AfD and CDU calling for more flexibility in economic policies.

2. Immigration: Immigration has been a major topic in the election, with the AfD leading the charge in advocating for more stringent policies. The AfD’s anti-immigration rhetoric resonated with many voters, particularly in regions hit hard by the economic downturn. The Greens and SPD, on the other hand, supported more inclusive immigration policies, though their positions on integration and refugee welfare have become increasingly unpopular with certain parts of the electorate.

3. Ukraine War: The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict also played a major role in the election, with parties like the CDU and SPD supporting continued military and economic aid to Ukraine. The AfD, however, has been more critical of Germany’s involvement, calling for neutrality and an end to sanctions against Russia.

How Voting Works in Germany

In Germany, citizens vote twice during the election. The first vote is for a local member of parliament, while the second is for a political party. A party must receive at least 5% of the national vote to gain seats in the Bundestag (Germany’s federal parliament). The second vote is crucial as it determines the number of seats each party will receive and, ultimately, which party or coalition will form the next government.

Coalition Government Outlook

With the CDU securing the largest share of the vote, Friedrich Merz is in the strongest position to become Germany's next Chancellor. However, no party has won an absolute majority, meaning coalition talks are inevitable. The CDU is likely to enter negotiations with smaller parties such as the FDP and potentially the Greens.

The challenge for Merz will be navigating the diverse interests of potential coalition partners. For example, while the FDP shares the CDU’s pro-business stance, the Greens may demand stronger action on climate policy. The AfD, despite its strong showing, is unlikely to be invited into the coalition, with the CDU distancing itself from the far-right party.

One of the biggest uncertainties surrounding the coalition negotiations is the role of the SPD, which despite its third-place finish, may still hold considerable influence in shaping the direction of Germany's future. Scholz’s poor election results, however, mean that the SPD will likely be sidelined unless they are able to secure a deal with the CDU, which remains unlikely.

What’s Next for Germany?

As the election results settle, the focus will now shift to the coalition-building process. With Friedrich Merz and the CDU set to lead Germany into a new phase, the formation of a stable coalition government will be critical for the country’s future, especially in light of the ongoing economic struggles and Germany’s role in European and global politics.

Germany’s future may depend on the direction that Merz and his potential coalition partners take on key issues such as economic reform, climate change, and immigration. As coalition talks continue, all eyes will be on how the political dynamics unfold in a country that has long prided itself on its political stability.