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German election results: What they mean for the largest economy and EU Europe

German election results: What they won for the largest economy in Europe & EU/ Newslooks/ Washington/ J. Mansour/ Morgen edition/ Friedrich Merz 'Center-Rights Block, won the national elections in Germany and marked a change of management as a outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition suffered serious losses. The right -wing extremist AfD rose to record the support, especially in East Germany, while the coalition talks between Merz and the Social Democrats appear. Ukraine can expect continued German support in the middle of the developing political landscape of Europe.

Alice Weidel, co-director of the alternatives for the German Party (AfD), will come to a press conference in Berlin on Monday, February 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)

Germany elections 2025: quick view of important snack bars

  • Merz 'victory: Center-right union block leads with 28.5%, which can have an impact with the coalition with social democrats
  • Coalition talks: Merz aims at an Easter period; Negotiations are exposed to hurdles on migration and economic policy
  • Right -wing extremist increase: AfD top surveys in East Germany and achieved 20.8%of the highest post-war result after the war nationwide
  • Traditional parties weaken: Combined trade union and SPD support hits after the war after the war; SPD suffers the worst result at 16.4%.
  • Youth voting layer: The left -wing party departs to 8.8% and appeals to young, liberal voters and experienced social media use
  • Ukraine support remains determined: Merz promises to strengthen Ukraine's defense position against Russia
  • Geographical gap: The AfD dominance in the east is in contrast to stronger mainstream support in West Germany
  • Scholz 'downfall: Fights, poor communication and political frustrations led to the dramatic decline of SPD

German election results: What they mean for the largest economy and EU Europe

Deep look

Berlin (AP) -Germany's national election has redesigned the political landscape of the largest economy in Europe, with Friedrich Merz secured victory, while the right -wing extremist alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved historical profits. In the middle of the weakened support of traditional parties and the increasing political polarization, the coalition talks are now underway to form a stable government that is able to tackle economic problems, migration problems and European unity.


1. Merz 'victory brings leadership change, but is faced with the coalition challenges

Friedrich Merz 'Union Block came with more victorious 28.5% From the vote and put him on the course to follow Olaf Scholz as the next chancellor in Germany. To rule, Merz has to form a coalition with the Social Democrats of Center-Link Social Democrats (SPD) with which the union has a combined attitude 328 seats In the 630 Bundestag.

Merz aims to complete a deal through Easter – a close deadline in view of different views on important questions such as economic relaxation and migration. While the economy has committed itself in two consecutive years, both parties differ in relation to the resuscitation strategies. Merz 'urge for stricter migration policy can also make negotiations difficult that require diplomatic finesse and compromises.

Nevertheless, the path to a coalition is less complicated than feared. Early election night projections indicated that a three-party alliance in which the Greens are involved could be necessary, but Merz now seems to be able to avoid this scenario.


2. Right-wing extremist AfD drives in second place, cement eastern dominance

The AfDS 20.8% Nationwide, the strongest post -war result for a right -wing extremist party in Germany shows. His support is most pronounced in the formerly communist east, where the AfD occurred as a leading political force. This regional gap shows continued differences between East and West Germany and promotes political polarization.

While the mainstream parties refuse to work with AfD, the increase shows public frustration about migration, economic stagnation and dissatisfaction with traditional politics. However, the increase in the party raises questions about the future political stability of Germany and its commitment to democratic norms after the war.


3. Traditional heavyweights continue to weaken

The political landscape of Germany, which was dominated by the Union and the SPD for a long time, has been expanded. Their combined result was the weakest since the Federal Republic of Germany was founded in 1949.

  • Union Bloc: 28.5% (second worst result in history)
  • SPD: 16.4% (worst show)

This trend reflects the growing disillusionment of the voters with the mainstream parties and the fragmentation of German politics.


V.

The left party recovered with the expectations and recovered 8.8% the vote after he was asked near the election threshold at the beginning of the campaign. The revitalization was driven by young voters, which were attracted from advanced policies to social justice, climate protection and taxation of the rich.

An experienced digital strategy increased the reach of the party and, in contrast to Merz's more traditional campaign style. Despite its profits, the left party remains isolated due to the long -term rejection of conservatives to work with conservatives.


5. Ukraine can expect continued German support

In the middle of geopolitical tensions, Merz confirmed Germany's commitment to Ukraine. “More than ever, we have to put Ukraine into a position of strength,” he wrote about X and emphasized Kyiv's inclusion in peace talks.

Germany was the second largest weapon supplier of Ukraine, and Merz criticized Scholz for delays in arms deliveries. However, he is cautious to use German troops for peacekeeping and to describe such discussions as premature.


6. Scholz 'breakdown: what went wrong?

Olaf Scholz 'Chancellery began with a close victory in 2021, but quickly released himself into crises and internal coalition disputes. His government tried to manage:

  • The economic failure of the Ukraine secretary
  • Energy and inflation shocks
  • Persistent public disagreements between coalition partners

The Scholz communication style -often considered distant -was recorded to calm the voters, and even SPD members have questioned its leadership in the past few months. Despite the attempts of a comeback, voters mostly opted for changes.


7. Germany's geopolitical and economic road ahead

Merz inherits significant challenges:

“The world is not waiting for us,” said Merz on the election night. “Germany has to act quickly to restore stability.”


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