The conservative CDU/CSU is projected to emerge as the largest party in Germany’s next parliament, securing 28.5% of the vote, according to early projections.
Friedrich Merz, now the frontrunner to become Germany’s next chancellor, praised his party’s strong performance, calling it a “tremendous campaign” and emphasizing the urgency of forming a new government.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is expected to make historic gains, becoming the second-largest political force with 20.5% of the vote.
This election follows the collapse of the previous three-party coalition, which triggered a snap vote. Despite CDU/CSU’s commanding lead, forming a stable coalition remains uncertain, as Merz may require more than one partner to secure a majority.
