The CDU won Germany’s national election, with Friedrich Merz set to become chancellor. The far-right AfD made significant gains, while Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SPD suffered a major setback.
In a significant shift in Germany's political landscape, the opposition conservative bloc, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), emerged victorious in Sunday’s national election, securing nearly 30 percent of the vote. The result positions CDU leader Friedrich Merz to become Germany's next Chancellor, as he pledged to form a stable and effective government.
Addressing a jubilant crowd in Berlin, Merz emphasised the urgency of creating a government capable of swift action, citing global challenges that cannot afford delays.
“But now we’re going to talk to each other, and the main thing is to create a government in Germany that can act as quickly as possible, with a good parliamentary majority. Because dear friends, the world out there is not waiting for us,” he told supporters.
Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) made unprecedented gains, finishing second with nearly 20 percent of the vote. This result marked a dramatic improvement, nearly doubling the party’s previous election performance.
AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla declared, “We have gained 100%, and that is something you have to achieve in the first place. We are now the political middle, and you can see who is on the outskirts behind us—the parties we have overtaken.”
Despite the surge in support, the AfD remains politically isolated. All major parties have ruled out forming a coalition with the far-right group. However, AfD leaders believe the election results reflect a shift in public sentiment, particularly regarding issues such as migration and economic policy.
“The issues, our talking points about migration and the economy—these are the issues people want to have solved. What people voted for is a shift in the political direction of Germany,” said Beatrix von Storch, an AfD member.
In contrast, Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) suffered a severe blow, securing only 16.2 percent of the vote — the party's worst result since World War II. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius described the outcome as “catastrophic,” signalling a major setback for the incumbent government.
As coalition negotiations commence, the CDU, along with its Bavarian ally, the Christian Social Union (CSU), will look to form partnerships to secure a parliamentary majority. However, significant divisions remain over key issues, including migration, economic policy, and Germany’s role within the European Union. These factors are likely to complicate the negotiations.
The coming weeks will prove pivotal in determining whether Merz can swiftly form a government or if Germany will face prolonged talks before its next administration is established.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met German Chancellor Merz in Berlin to push for stronger support and discuss ceasefire efforts amid renewed Russian attacks and rising frontline tensions.
Germany's new Chancellor Friedrich Merz has set a bold agenda, emphasizing unity in the West over Ukraine, a robust German military, and economic revitalization to secure the nation's leadership role on the global stage.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to resolve trade disputes and cooperate on Ukraine during a phone call Thursday evening.
Friedrich Merz has been elected as Germany’s 10th chancellor, prompting a wave of international reactions and congratulations as he prepares to navigate significant challenges at home and abroad.
China and Japan have reached a key agreement to restart seafood trade, marking a potential end to a nearly two-year import ban imposed after the release of treated wastewater from Japan’s Fukushima nuclear plant.
Japan has pledged over $1 billion in aid to Bangladesh for economic reforms, infrastructure, and education, as interim leader Muhammad Yunus visits Tokyo to deepen bilateral ties.
Ford Motor Company is recalling more than 1 million vehicles across multiple models due to a software glitch that could cause the rearview camera to malfunction, increasing the risk of an accident.
A US ceasefire plan proposes a 60-day truce and phased hostage exchange. Hamas is reviewing the deal.
The U.S. urges Russia to accept a ceasefire and supports direct talks set for next week in Istanbul.
AnewZ takes to the streets of Yerevan and Baku to ask a simple yet deeply complex question: How do you see peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan? In the first part of our special report, we hear the hopes, doubts, and scars still shaping people’s perspectives on both sides.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Kyiv faced a large-scale Russian drone and missile assault overnight, with explosions and gunfire echoing throughout the city, forcing residents to shelter in subway stations.
China and Japan have reached a key agreement to restart seafood trade, marking a potential end to a nearly two-year import ban imposed after the release of treated wastewater from Japan’s Fukushima nuclear plant.
Japan has pledged over $1 billion in aid to Bangladesh for economic reforms, infrastructure, and education, as interim leader Muhammad Yunus visits Tokyo to deepen bilateral ties.
A US ceasefire plan proposes a 60-day truce and phased hostage exchange. Hamas is reviewing the deal.
The U.S. urges Russia to accept a ceasefire and supports direct talks set for next week in Istanbul.
At least 21 people, including children, have died in floods triggered by heavy rains in Nigeria’s Niger state, officials said.
China and Japan have reached a key agreement to restart seafood trade, marking a potential end to a nearly two-year import ban imposed after the release of treated wastewater from Japan’s Fukushima nuclear plant.
Japan has pledged over $1 billion in aid to Bangladesh for economic reforms, infrastructure, and education, as interim leader Muhammad Yunus visits Tokyo to deepen bilateral ties.
Ford Motor Company is recalling more than 1 million vehicles across multiple models due to a software glitch that could cause the rearview camera to malfunction, increasing the risk of an accident.
A US ceasefire plan proposes a 60-day truce and phased hostage exchange. Hamas is reviewing the deal.
The U.S. urges Russia to accept a ceasefire and supports direct talks set for next week in Istanbul.
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