Germany’s federal election has resulted in a decisive win for the opposition leader Friedrich Merz, whose CDU/CSU bloc secured 28.8% of the vote. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) followed with 20.2%, while Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD) plunged to 16.2%, their worst result since World War II.
Scholz Acknowledges Defeat
After the humiliating loss, Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the result “bitter”, taking full responsibility. The SPD’s poor performance is attributed to economic struggles, rising inflation, and geopolitical challenges, including the Russia-Ukraine war and concerns over US President Donald Trump’s trade policies.
What’s Next for Friedrich Merz?
With no party securing an outright majority, Merz must now form a coalition government. His potential options include:
- Grand Coalition with SPD: Unlikely if Scholz plays a key role.
- Alliance with the Greens: A more probable option.
- Three-Party Coalition: If required, CDU could seek partnerships with both SPD and the Greens.
Speaking to supporters in Berlin, Merz emphasized the urgency of forming a government quickly, stating, “The world won’t wait for us. We must act fast.”
