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​Christian Democratic Union party leader Friedrich Merz speaks at the party headquarters after the exit poll results are announced for the 2025 general election, in Berlin, Germany, on Feb. 23, 2025.
What We're Watching

Conservatives come first, far right second in German election

As expected, the conservative Christian Democratic Union and its sister party, the Christian Social Union, came out on top in Germany’s election on Sunday with 28.6% of the vote. But the biggest celebrations were held by those supporting the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, which scored a second-place finish with 20.8%, doubling its share of the vote since the last election. It beat the centrist SPD’s 16.4% and the Greens’ 11.6%.

​Ten thousand protesters gather in front of Duesseldorf Central Station to march against the AfD's upcoming afternoon rally in Duesseldorf, Germany, on Feb. 15, 2025.
Viewpoint

Viewpoint: Far right surges to prominence ahead of German elections

Amid a deep economic crisis and renewed migration concerns, the far-right party Alternative for Germany, or AfD, is poised to double its vote share in this weekend’s general elections. We talked to Eurasia Group expert Jan Techau, about how the AfD's increasing strength is transforming German politics.

​German conservative CDU candidate for chancellor Friedrich Merz attends a campaign event in Vechta, Germany, on Feb. 19, 2025.
What We're Watching

Election-eve shifts in Germany?

The CDU/CSU is very likely to win, making Friedrich Merz the country’s new chancellor. But he’s likely to lead a coalition government with a weak mandate, in part because he has vowed to reject any cooperation with the AfD.

Illustration of Chancellor Olaf Scholz next to a traffic light
by ian bremmer

Germany’s political crisis, explained

While the United States was still busy counting votes, Germany’s ruling coalition led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz suddenly fell apart last Wednesday, plunging Europe’s largest economy into chaos.

German election outcome begins new era of three-party cooperation
GZERO Europe

German election outcome begins new era of three-party cooperation

What about the outcome of the German election? Is this the beginning of a new era in the politics of Germany? Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sweden, shares his perspective from Europe.

Germany's floods make climate, competence top issues for election
GZERO Europe

Germany's floods make climate, competence top issues for election

What will be the effects on the politics of Germany after the immense flooding? What are the details of the green package that was unveiled by the European Commission the other day? Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sweden, shares his perspective from Europe.

Russia will withdraw forces from Ukraine but Putin reveals nothing
GZERO Europe

Russia will withdraw forces from Ukraine but Putin reveals nothing

What are the Russians up to against Ukraine? What's happening in the politics of Germany? Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sweden, shares his perspective on Europe In 60 Seconds

Hope for Europe's vaccine rollout;  CDU setback in German elections
GZERO Europe

Hope for Europe's vaccine rollout;  CDU setback in German elections

How is the rollout of vaccines in Europe going? What's the fallout of the German regional elections over the weekend? Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sweden, shares his perspective on Europe In 60 Seconds.

Estonian PM resigns over corruption allegations; post-Merkel Germany
GZERO Europe

Estonian PM resigns over corruption allegations; post-Merkel Germany

Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sweden, shares his perspective on Europe In 60 Seconds: Why did the Estonian prime minister resign and what happens now? What does the post-Merkel future look like for Germany's CDU leadership?