Germany’s national election just sent shockwaves through Europe, with the conservative CDU/CSU bloc securing victory and the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) making historic gains, finishing in second place with its best result ever. The left-wing establishment suffered a humiliating collapse, as Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD) cratered to their worst showing since World War II.
With Friedrich Merz now poised to become the next chancellor, Germany’s political landscape is shifting sharply to the right. But the road ahead won’t be easy, as coalition negotiations are expected to be long and messy. While Merz’s CDU/CSU emerged as the largest bloc with 28.7% of the vote, it’s still only their second-worst result in post-war history, leaving them without a clear majority. The AfD’s surge to 19.8% further complicates things, as establishment parties refuse to work with them, despite the fact that millions of Germans are clearly demanding tougher immigration policies and an end to progressive economic failures.
The election was fueled by growing public frustration over Germany’s economic decline and mass migration crisis. For years, mainstream parties ignored these concerns, but after a wave of violent attacks—many allegedly committed by migrants—the political tide turned. The AfD capitalized on the German people’s frustration, delivering a platform that prioritizes national sovereignty, border security, and economic recovery. Their historic second-place finish sent a clear message: the German people have had enough of failed leftist policies.
The election also exposed deepening tensions between Europe and the United States, as President Donald Trump’s administration openly backed the AfD and criticized Germany’s leadership. Vice President J.D. Vance and Elon Musk both made forceful statements against Germany’s establishment, siding with the anti-migrant party and highlighting the country’s failures on immigration, energy, and economic policy. European elites were left fuming as Trump pushes to fast-track a Ukraine ceasefire deal without European involvement, further sidelining Germany’s already-weakened influence.
Now, Germany faces a period of political uncertainty, as Merz must navigate coalition talks without the ability to work with the AfD. If he can’t form a government quickly, Scholz could remain in a caretaker role for months, delaying desperately needed policies to pull Germany out of its economic freefall.
The establishment is scrambling, but one thing is clear—Germany’s political revolution is underway, and the populist right is gaining serious ground.
