German Bundestag Elections 2025

Right-wing parties have a clear majority in Germany's Bundestag elections, with the CDU leading but AfD making significant gains. There is a possibility of a coalition between CDU and AfD, but the political establishment is resistant to the idea. The alternative is a 'grand' coalition with left-wing parties, which has its own challenges.

German Federal Elections 2025

Exit polls for the federal elections in Germany predict the Christian Democrats leading with around 33% of the vote, followed by the populist Alternative for Germany at nearly 20%. CDU leader Friedrich Merz pledges not to form a coalition with AfD. The centrist CDU may need to partner with the far-left Greens to form a government.

German National Parliamentary Election

German voters head to the polls for a national parliamentary election prompted by the firing of the finance minister and collapse of the coalition government. The far-right AfD Party is in second place in the polls, with the CDU likely to form a coalition government. Friedrich Merz, a conservative, is the CDU's candidate for chancellor and faces challenges in forming a coalition due to mainstream parties vowing not to work with the AfD. Merz's pro-European outlook and business background are seen as strengths and weaknesses by voters.

German Political Coalition Dynamics

The leader of the centrist Christian Democratic Union in Germany reiterated his refusal to form a coalition with the populist Alternative for Germany party, opting to continue establishment governance. The current Chancellor Olaf Scholz accused the opposition leader of breaking his word by aligning with the AfD in parliament. Despite similarities on economic and migration issues, the CDU leader is focused on forming a coalition with the leftist Social Democrats instead. There is concern that the CDU might form a coalition with the AfD post-election, despite their differing views on key issues.

Angela Merkel criticizes successor over border control and collaboration with AfD in Germany

Angela Merkel criticizes her successor for moving away from open borders and working with populist-right parties in Germany. She expresses disapproval of the party's shift towards enacting border controls and collaborating with the Alternative for Germany (AfD). Merkel maintains her stance on migration policies and distances herself from the rising popularity of the AfD.

German Politics and Angela Merkel's Legacy

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel criticizes her successor for collaborating with the populist-right party AfD to pass border control laws, breaking the traditional cordon sanitaire against the AfD. Merkel is concerned about her legacy being dismantled and emphasizes the importance of democratic parties working together to prevent future terror attacks.

Breakdown of 'Firewall' in German Politics

The 'firewall' barring establishment parties in Berlin from working with the AfD broke down as Angela Merkel's former party partnered with the populist-sovereigntist party on a vote calling for migration restrictions, marking a significant shift in German politics.

European Elections 2025

Right-wing and far-right parties are expected to triumph in the European elections, with the Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) projected to have a strong performance despite scandals. Conservative parties like the Christian Democratic Union and the Austrian Freedom Party are also expected to make gains.