Germany’s 2025 national election reshaped the country’s political landscape, with the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) emerging victorious. The centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), which had championed open migration policies and a progressive agenda under Chancellor Olaf Scholz, saw its dominance crumble in the face of growing discontent over migration, energy policies, and economic stagnation. The nationalist Alternative for Germany (AfD) has also made significant strides, securing its strongest result since World War II. This election marks a pivotal moment in European politics, reflecting broader concerns about migration and governance.
US President Donald Trump on February 24 congratulated Friedrich Merz-led Christian Democratic Union on their victory in Germany’s national election.
On his social media platform, Truth Social, he said, “Looks like the conservative party in Germany has won the very big and highly anticipated election. Much like the USA, the people of Germany got tired of the no common sense agenda, especially on energy and immigration, that has prevailed for so many years.”
“This is a great day for Germany, and for the United States of America under the leadership of a gentleman named Donald J. Trump. Congratulations to all — many more victories to follow!!!” Trump added.
The Decline of the SPD
The SPD’s loss is a historic blow, marking the first time in over a century that the party has failed to secure a position as one of Germany’s top two political forces. The party’s persistent backing of liberal migration policies and progressive agendas has sparked widespread backlash as growing concerns over national security, economic instability, and the consequences of uncontrolled immigration take centre stage. The SPD’s defeat highlights how its policies, seen as reckless and out of touch with the public’s priorities, have left Germany and Europe struggling with social and economic issues that only seem to worsen with each passing year.
Under Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s leadership, the SPD aggressively pushed for open borders and multiculturalism, policies that many argue have only fueled social strain and heightened tensions within German society. These misguided priorities have left the public increasingly disillusioned, with frustration over rising migration numbers and a stagnant economy. The SPD’s dismal performance in this election serves as a stark reminder of how these failed policies—out of touch with the real concerns of everyday Germans—have undermined the party’s credibility and ultimately turned the political tide against them.
CDU’s Resounding Victory
In a significant political comeback, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU), led by Friedrich Merz, has claimed victory in this election. The party, which advocates for stronger border controls, a focus on national security, and pragmatic economic policies, found widespread support among voters who expressed frustration with the SPD’s governance. Merz, known for his conservative stance on migration and energy policies, positioned the CDU as the party that would restore common sense and national sovereignty.
Merz’s victory is seen as a mandate for a more controlled approach to immigration and a renewed focus on Germany’s economic recovery. The CDU’s triumph signifies the growing popularity of conservative politics in Europe, mirroring similar shifts in other Western democracies. In his victory speech, Merz expressed confidence in forming a coalition government, though the complex political environment may make this process more difficult.
The International Context
The German election is not only a turning point for the country but also for Europe and the broader geopolitical landscape. Germany, as the EU’s most populous and influential member, plays a crucial role in shaping European policy, particularly on issues like migration, energy security, and foreign relations. As CDU’s Friedrich Merz prepares to take the helm, his stance on migration control and economic reforms is likely to influence Germany’s relationship with the European Union, NATO, and its partners, including the United States.
The election outcome comes amid ongoing concerns about the future of Ukraine, with Germany being a major supplier of arms to the Ukrainian government. The political shift in Germany could have implications for its stance on European security, especially as the Trump administration continues to push for more assertive foreign policies.
The 2025 German election results are a clear indication that political currents in Europe are shifting. The centre-left SPD’s failure and the CDU’s strong performance rise reflect broader societal concerns over issues like migration, economic stagnation, and national security. As Germany enters a new political era under the leadership of Friedrich Merz, the outcomes of this election will reverberate across Europe, reshaping the continent’s future political and social landscape.
Global Leaders Extend Congratulations to Merz
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he looked forward to ‘protect lives’ alongwith the new government in Germany. “I congratulate the CDU/CSU and Friedrich Merz on their victory in the Bundestag elections,” Zelenskiy said in a post on X. “We look forward to continuing our joint work with Germany to protect lives, bring real peace closer to Ukraine, and strengthen Europe.
I congratulate the CDU/CSU and @_FriedrichMerz on their victory in the Bundestag elections. A clear voice from the voters, and we see how important this is for Europe.
We look forward to continuing our joint work with Germany to protect lives, bring real peace closer to Ukraine,…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 23, 2025
French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated Germany’s conservative leader Friedrich Merz on his party’s win in parliamentary elections on Sunday, stressing the need for unity “in this period of uncertainty”. “We are more determined than ever to achieve great things together for France and for Germany and to work for a stong and sovereign Europe,” Macron posted on social media. “In this period of uncertainty, we are united to face the great challenges of the world and of our continent.”
Je viens de m'entretenir avec @_FriedrichMerz pour le féliciter de sa victoire aux élections allemandes.
J’ai aussi eu un échange avec @OlafScholz pour lui dire mon amitié en cette soirée.
Nous sommes plus que jamais déterminés à faire de grandes choses ensemble…
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) February 23, 2025
UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer, congratulated Merz on his win, and said the UK looked forward to working with the new government to deepen their already strong relationship. “I look forward to working with the new government to deepen our already strong relationship, enhance our joint security and deliver growth for both our countries,” Starmer posted on X.
Congratulations to @_FriedrichMerz and @CDU/@CSU for the results in Germany’s election.
I look forward to working with the new government to deepen our already strong relationship, enhance our joint security and deliver growth for both our countries.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) February 23, 2025
Who is Friedrich Merz?
Born on November 11, 1955, in Brilon, Germany, Friedrich Merz hails from a family with a strong legal background. After beginning his law studies in 1976, he joined the Christian Democratic Union in 1972, marking the start of his political career. In 1981, Merz married Charlotte Merz, a fellow lawyer and now a judge, with whom he has three children.
Merz’s political journey began in 1989 when he was elected to the European Parliament. By 1994, he had secured a seat in the Bundestag, Germany’s federal parliament, after winning an absolute majority in the Hochsauerlandkreis constituency. He rose through the ranks of the CDU, becoming the party’s parliamentary leader in 2000. However, in 2002, he ceded the position to Angela Merkel. After a political setback in 2005, when the CDU/CSU coalition formed a government with the SPD, Merz withdrew from active politics and focused on a successful career in law and finance.
In 2018, with Merkel’s retirement announcement, Merz attempted a political comeback, but narrowly lost his bid to succeed her to Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer. In 2020, after Kramp-Karrenbauer’s resignation, Merz faced another opportunity, but the CDU instead chose Armin Laschet as its leader. Merz made his return to the Bundestag in 2021, though the CDU was defeated in that election. In 2022, he finally assumed leadership of the CDU, securing his position as the party’s national chairman. Known for his firm stance on reducing undocumented immigration and his plans to revitalise Germany’s economy, Merz now faces the major challenge of forming a coalition government to consolidate power and lead the country forward.
