A federal election was held in Germany on 23 February 2025, resulting in the election of the 630 members of the 21st Bundestag. This election took place seven months ahead of schedule due to the collapse of the Scholz governing coalition in 2024. The early election was made possible after the chancellor lost his majority and intentionally lost a motion of confidence, allowing the president to approve a new election.
The 2025 election marked the fourth snap election in post-war German history. The outcome of the election saw three opposition parties increase their share of votes compared to the previous federal election in 2021. Notably, the conservative CDU/CSU alliance emerged as the largest group in the Bundestag, securing 28.5% of the votes. Although this result was significantly lower than the 41.5% achieved by Angela Merkel in 2013, it positioned the CDU/CSU alliance to lead the new government.
The far-right AfD party made significant gains in the election, doubling its share of votes to 20.8% and achieving its best result in nationwide German elections. This outcome moved the AfD into second place, but its success was tempered by the fact that no other party was willing to work with them. The socialist Left party also made notable gains, having polled well under 5% until January 2025 before massively improving its standing.
The 2025 election was characterized by a reduction in the number of seats in the Bundestag, from 736 in 2021 to 630, due to reforms in seat distribution. This change reflects efforts to streamline the German legislative body and improve its representation of the population. The election outcome will have significant implications for the composition and direction of the new government, as the CDU/CSU alliance seeks to form a coalition and implement its policies.
The fact that three opposition parties increased their share of votes in the election suggests a shift in the German political landscape. The CDU/CSU alliance, despite achieving its second-worst result since 1949, remains well-positioned to lead the new government. However, the rise of the AfD and the improvement in the socialist Left party’s fortunes indicate a more fragmented political environment, which may present challenges for the incoming government.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on the 2025 German federal election, attention will turn to the formation of a new government and the implementation of its policies. The CDU/CSU alliance will need to navigate the complexities of coalition-building, while the AfD and the socialist Left party will seek to capitalize on their gains and increase their influence. As the new government takes shape, it will be important to watch how the various parties interact and how their policies are received by the German public. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the direction of German politics and the impact of the 2025 election on the country’s future.
