Germany’s center-right CDU/CSU has won the February 23 parliamentary elections, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) securing second place, according to preliminary results.
According to CNN, the snap election was largely influenced by concerns over immigration, economic challenges, and Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency.
Merz Declares Victory
At CDU headquarters, cheers erupted as exit polls confirmed the party’s victory.
Outside, a small group of demonstrators protested against CDU leader Friedrich Merz's stance on immigration. Addressing supporters in central Berlin, Merz proclaimed, “Let’s get the party started.”
With 28.5% of the vote, Merz is set to become Germany’s next chancellor, leading Europe’s largest economy despite never holding a government position before. Meanwhile, the AfD achieved 20.8%, marking a historic gain for the far-right party.
The election results delivered a major blow to the ruling center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), which fell to third place with 16.4%. The Greens and Left Party also entered the Bundestag, securing 11.6% and 8.8%, respectively.
The Free Democratic Party (FDP) and the left-wing Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) failed to surpass the 5% threshold needed for parliamentary representation.
Reactions from Ukraine and Europe
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has already congratulated Merz on the victory.
"A clear voice from the voters, and we see how important this is for Europe," Zelensky said. "We look forward to continuing our joint work with Germany to protect lives, bring real peace closer to Ukraine, and strengthen Europe."
The election took place amid growing concerns over U.S. commitment to NATO and Ukraine’s defense, as Merz warned of uncertainty about the alliance’s future.
Merz on Trump, NATO, and European Defense
Merz voiced strong concerns about NATO’s stability following recent remarks by Trump, who suggested he might not defend NATO allies if re-elected.
“I never thought I’d have to say this on television, but after Trump’s latest comments… it is clear that this U.S. administration does not prioritize Europe’s security,” Merz said in an interview with German broadcaster ARD.
He stressed the need for Europe to develop its own defense strategy, questioning whether NATO would still be intact by the June summit.
Merz has also taken a hardline stance on Russia, openly supporting the delivery of Taurus missiles to Ukraine — a move that outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz has strongly opposed.
On February 21, Merz criticized Trump’s remarks on Ukraine, calling them "shocking" and echoing Russian propaganda. "This is how Putin has framed it for years, and I'm frankly shocked that Trump has now seemingly embraced it," he said.
Despite its strongest result, the CDU/CSU lacks a parliamentary majority and will need a coalition partner to form a government.
Merz has ruled out an alliance with the AfD, leaving two main options: A “grand coalition” between the CDU/CSU and SPD, or a three-way coalition including the Greens.
Negotiations are expected to begin immediately, as Germany enters a new era of leadership under Friedrich Merz.
