In Germany’s recent elections, the conservative CDU/CSU alliance, led by Friedrich Merz, secured 28.5-29% of the vote, positioning Merz as a likely candidate for chancellor. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) significantly increased its support, garnering 19.5-20% amid concerns over immigration and security. However, the AfD will remain outside of power as potential coalition partners reject collaboration with them. The Social Democrats (SPD) faced a historic low, polling at 16-16.5%, while the Greens received 12-13.5%. The far-left Linke appears to have met the five-percent threshold, alongside the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP), which is also near that mark.
Berlin:
On Sunday, Germany’s conservative CDU/CSU alliance, led by Friedrich Merz, emerged victorious in the elections, garnering between 28.5 and 29 percent of the votes, as per initial TV exit polls.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured second place with 19.5 to 20 percent, effectively doubling its performance from the last election in 2021 according to early figures from public broadcasters ARD and ZDF.
The rise of the anti-immigration AfD has been driven by public concerns over immigration and security, particularly following a series of violent incidents attributed to migrants and apprehensions about the struggling economy.
Despite their impressive performance, the AfD is unlikely to gain power for the time being, as potential coalition partners reject any collaboration with the far-right.
If the exit polls hold true in the final tally, Merz is almost certain to assume the role of the next chancellor of Europe’s leading economy.
To establish a parliamentary majority, he will need to ally with one or more parties, possibly including the Social Democrats (SPD) of outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
The SPD is expected to face one of its most disappointing outcomes in the history of Germany’s post-war democracy, with results between 16 and 16.5 percent.
The Greens, another potential coalition partner for the CDU/CSU, received 12 to 13.5 percent of the votes, according to the exit polls.
However, the final results for smaller parties could influence the coalition dynamics. The far-left Linke appears to have surpassed the five-percent threshold to gain entry into the Bundestag, with results showing 8.5 to nine percent.
The pro-business Free Democrats (FDP), who were part of the government until recently, is hovering around the five-percent line, along with another far-left contender, the newcomer BSW.
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