Germany’s political landscape is shifting, and the conservative bloc is back on top. Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is poised to become the country’s next Chancellor after his party clinched a decisive win in the general elections, marking a dramatic shift from Olaf Scholz’s center-left leadership.
A Conservative Comeback
The CDU, along with its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), secured 28.5% of the vote. This result not only outpaced Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) but also left the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) trailing at 20.7%, according to German broadcaster ARD.
For Merz, a seasoned politician with decades of experience, this victory is a culmination of a political comeback that many had once thought improbable. His message? A return to stability and economic prudence. “Germany will once more be governed reliably,” he assured supporters as the exit polls confirmed his lead.
Coalition Challenges Ahead
Winning the most votes is one thing—forming a stable government is another. With 28.5%, Merz’s CDU/CSU bloc falls short of an outright majority, meaning coalition talks will be crucial.
- The Free Democratic Party (FDP) could emerge as a key partner, aligning with Merz on economic policies.
- A possible, though more complex, alliance with the Greens might be on the table.
- A grand coalition with the SPD remains a distant but not impossible scenario.
However, one thing is clear—Merz has ruled out any cooperation with the AfD, despite their significant 20.7% vote share.
Who is Friedrich Merz?
Unlike his predecessor, Olaf Scholz, who championed progressive policies, Merz brings a starkly different approach. A lawyer-turned-politician, he first made his mark in the Bundestag in the 1990s.
Merz previously led the CDU’s parliamentary group before stepping away from politics in 2009. He spent years in the private sector, working with investment firms before making a comeback in 2018, challenging Angela Merkel’s centrist legacy.
His policies lean toward fiscal conservatism, advocating for tax cuts, a reduction in bureaucracy, and a stricter stance on migration—positions that have resonated with many voters amid economic uncertainty.
Voter Sentiment: A Shift to the Right
This election underscores a broader shift in German politics. The SPD’s decline—polling at a dismal third place—reflects public dissatisfaction with Scholz’s handling of economic turbulence, rising energy costs, and the fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the AfD’s strong second-place finish signals growing support for nationalist policies. Although Merz has firmly distanced himself from the far-right, the rise of the AfD has undoubtedly influenced mainstream political discourse, pulling debates toward tougher immigration and security policies.
What Comes Next?
The next few weeks will be crucial as coalition negotiations unfold. Merz will need to navigate tricky political waters to secure enough support for a functional government.
At stake are key policy shifts:
| Policy Area | Merz’s Stance |
|---|---|
| Economy | Tax cuts, reduced regulations |
| Immigration | Stricter border controls |
| EU Relations | Stronger national interests within EU |
| Climate Policies | Balanced approach with economic priorities |
For now, Germany’s conservatives are celebrating their return to power. But the real test begins now—building a government that can deliver on the promises that brought them this victory.
