Exit polls: Merz’s centre-right CDU leads in German federal elections

Merz Wins: A New Era for Germany?

In a dramatic turn of events, Germany’s federal election on Sunday has paved the way for a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. According to exit polls, opposition leader Friedrich Merz, representing the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has emerged as the clear front-runner, securing approximately 28.5% of the vote. This makes the CDU the strongest party in the next Bundestag, Germany’s parliament, and positions Merz as the likely next Chancellor. The election, which was widely seen as a pivotal moment for Europe’s largest economy, saw millions of Germans cast their ballots, with the results set to shape the country’s future for years to come.

Scholz Concedes: A Bitter Defeat for the SPD

Incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz has conceded defeat after a dismal performance by his center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD). The SPD, which has long been a fixture of German politics, is projected to finish in a distant third place with just 16.5% of the vote. This marks the party’s worst postwar result in a national parliamentary election, signaling a sharp decline in support for Scholz’s coalition. Scholz, who has served as Chancellor since December 2021, described the outcome as “a bitter election result” and acknowledged his impending departure from office. The defeat not only ends Scholz’s tenure but also raises questions about the future direction of the SPD.

Far-Right Surge: AfD Makes History

One of the most striking aspects of the election is the strong showing of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Exit polls suggest that the AfD is on track to achieve the best result for a far-right party since World War II, positioning it as the second-largest force in German politics. AfD co-leader and chancellor candidate Alice Weidel has already declared her party’s readiness to engage in coalition negotiations with Merz’s CDU, emphasizing that without such a partnership, “no change of policy is possible in Germany.” This statement underscores the AfD’s ambition to influence the country’s political agenda, even as it raises concerns among critics about the normalization of far-right ideologies in mainstream politics.

The Voters Have Spoken: A Call for Change

Over 59 million eligible voters participated in Sunday’s election, choosing 630 members of the Bundestag who will represent them in the historic Reichstag building in Berlin. The high stakes of the election were evident in the turnout, as Germans weighed in on issues ranging from economic policy to climate change and the country’s role in Europe. The results reflect a clear desire for change among voters, with many expressing discontent with the status quo under Scholz’s leadership. Merz’s victory, in particular, suggests that voters are looking for a more stable and reliable government, one that can address the challenges facing the country with a sense of renewed purpose.

Coalition Negotiations: The Next Challenge

With the official results still pending, attention is now turning to the coalition negotiations that will determine the shape of Germany’s next government. Merz’s CDU, though set to be the largest party, will likely need to form an alliance with smaller parties to secure a majority in the Bundestag. The AfD’s strong performance has added an extra layer of complexity to these negotiations, as its willingness to collaborate with the CDU raises eyebrows among political observers. Meanwhile, the SPD and other parties will need to regroup and reassess their strategies, as they confront the reality of being in opposition.

A New Chapter for Germany—and Europe

The outcome of this election has far-reaching implications, not only for Germany but also for Europe. As the continent’s largest economy and a key player in the European Union, Germany’s political direction will heavily influence EU policies and decision-making. Merz’s emphasis on reliability and stability in governance, coupled with the AfD’s push for a more nationalist agenda, suggests that Germany may adopt a different tone in its international relations. For Scholz, the defeat marks the end of an era, but for Merz, it represents an opportunity to steer Germany in a new direction—one that will undoubtedly be closely watched by allies and rivals alike.