News and Insight

03/25

Germany’s Political Realignment In the 2025 federal election, Germany’s conservative CDU/CSU alliance became the largest group in the Bundestag, while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved its best result, moving into second place. The previously governing “Traffic light coalition” suffered significant losses. ​

Election Outcomes: A Shift in Power

The conservative CDU/CSU alliance, led by Friedrich Merz, secured 28.5% of the vote, becoming the largest group in the Bundestag. This marks a notable recovery from previous elections, though still below historical highs. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved its best result to date with 20.8%, doubling its previous share and moving into second place. ​The incumbent “Traffic light coalition” suffered significant losses:​

• SPD: Dropped to 16.4%, its worst result since 1887.​

• Greens: Declined to 12%, still their second-best ever result.​

• FDP: Recorded their worst historical result with 4.3%, losing all representation in the Bundestag. ​

Voter turnout was 82.5%, the highest since German reunification, indicating heightened public engagement.

Germany’s 2025 election results underscore a significant political shift, with traditional parties losing ground to emerging forces. The new coalition government under Friedrich Merz must address internal divisions and external pressures to ensure stability and progress in Europe’s largest economy.