Germany’s conservatives are back in power after four years in opposition. Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democrats (CDU) and their Bavarian allies (CSU) won Sunday’s election but fell short of a majority.
Now, the race is on to form a coalition. Merz wasted no time, telling supporters he’ll start talks “immediately” to build a government.
The most likely partner? The Social Democrats (SPD), led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. But it was a brutal night for Scholz—his party crashed to third place, one of its worst results ever. Insiders say he’s on the way out.
Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) celebrated a historic result. They finished second for the first time, grabbing nearly 20% of the vote. But CDU bosses have ruled out working with them.
Germany’s new parliament will have six parties, but the Free Democrats (FDP) won’t be there. Their decision to quit Scholz’s government triggered this snap election. Now, they’re out in the cold.
Voter turnout hit 84%, the highest since reunification in 1990.
