Conservative Victory in Germany's National Election Under Friedrich Merz, Right-wing AfD in Second Place

Conservative Victory in Germany's National Election Under Friedrich Merz, Right-wing AfD in Second Place

According to preliminary results, the conservatives, led by Friedrich Merz, have won Germany's national election, with the right-wing party Alternative for Germany (AfD) rising to become the second-largest party.

The election campaign focused on concerns about the long-standing stagnation of Europe's largest economy and the fear of tightening immigration policies. Merz has recently advocated for stricter immigration policies, which has created some divisions within the country. The future of Ukraine and concerns over Europe's relationship with the United States were also prominent issues during the election.

According to the results from the election authorities, Merz's Christian Democrats and the center-left Social Democrats have won the majority of seats in the Bundestag, as smaller parties failed to meet the required electoral threshold. This significantly increases Merz's chances of becoming chancellor. On election night, he said, "I hope to form a government by Easter at the latest."

Merz's conservatives won 208 seats in the 630-seat Bundestag, while AfD secured 152 seats. The ruling Social Democrats won 120 seats, and the left-wing party gained 64 seats. The pro-business Free Democrats and Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance fell below the 5% threshold and lost representation in parliament.

AfD celebrated its post-election success, with its leaders claiming that the party would establish itself as the country's main party in the next election. This right-wing party, established 12 years ago, has emerged as a strong political force, although it has yet to participate in any state or national government.

AfD is currently under surveillance by internal intelligence agencies, as it is classified as a right-wing extremist group. Three of its eastern regional branches are considered "proven right-wing extremists," a particularly sensitive issue due to Germany's Nazi past.

So far, the current Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who leads the Social Democrats, remains in office despite his defeat. After the fall of his unpopular coalition government in November, the election has not generated much excitement or enthusiasm.

Merz said, "I understand the importance of this responsibility. What lies ahead is a big task. I will proceed with respect and know that this will not be easy. The world is not waiting for us, and lengthy discussions and the formation of a government coalition will take time."