German Election Results: AfD Makes Historic Gains, Merz's Conservatives Win

Image credits: Getty Images

The 2025 German election has yielded some significant and intriguing results, revealing a country in flux. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has doubled its support in just four years to 20.8%, spreading out from its eastern base to become the second-largest political force in parliament. Meanwhile, outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democratic Party (SPD) suffered its worst performance in decades, securing only 16.4% of the vote. The election results map of Germany resembles a Cold War-era divide, with the AfD dominating the east and the conservatives prevailing in the west.

The AfD's leader, Alice Weidel, has insisted that the party is a libertarian, conservative movement, not racist. However, the party's policies, including "remigration," which involves deporting migrants who have committed crimes, have sparked controversy. The AfD has been classified as a suspected far-right extremist organization by a German court, and its leaders have been convicted of using banned Nazi slogans. Despite this, the party has gained significant support, particularly among young people, with 21% of 18-24-year-olds voting for the AfD.

The election has also seen a high turnout, with 82.5% of eligible voters participating, the highest since 1987. The results have significant implications for Germany's political landscape, with the AfD's gains threatening to upend the traditional dominance of the mainstream parties. The party's success has been fueled by its ability to tap into voter discontent with the establishment, particularly on issues such as immigration and the economy. As the AfD continues to grow in popularity, it is likely to pose a significant challenge to the incoming government, led by Friedrich Merz's conservatives.

The election results have also highlighted the deep divisions within German society, with the AfD's support base concentrated in the east and the conservatives dominating the west. The party's ability to appeal to voters in both regions has been a key factor in its success, with its leaders using social media to reach a wider audience. The AfD's Alice Weidel has become a social media sensation, with over 935,000 followers on TikTok, making her one of the most popular politicians in the country. As the party continues to grow in influence, it is likely to play a significant role in shaping Germany's political agenda in the years to come.

The implications of the election results are far-reaching, with significant consequences for Germany's relationships with its European partners and the wider world. The incoming government, led by Friedrich Merz, will need to navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries within the EU, while also addressing the concerns of German voters who feel that the country is not doing enough to address issues such as immigration and the economy. As Germany embarks on a new era of politics, it is clear that the AfD will play a significant role in shaping the country's future, and its success will be closely watched by politicians and analysts around the world. Some of the key statistics from the election include: * 20.8% of the vote went to the AfD * 16.4% of the vote went to the SPD * 82.5% turnout, the highest since 1987 * 21% of 18-24-year-olds voted for the AfD * Over 935,000 followers for Alice Weidel on TikTok