Germany’s 2025 Election: Merz Takes the Helm Amid Political Shift
Germany’s political landscape has undergone a dramatic shift following the federal election on February 23, 2025. Friedrich Merz and his center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) emerged victorious, marking a return to power for the party after its long hiatus since Angela Merkel’s tenure. Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured an unprecedented second-place finish, signaling a strong rightward shift in the German electorate.
This election was shaped by rising concerns over immigration, economic stagnation, and security, reflecting a broader trend seen across Western democracies. Many voters rejected the left-leaning policies that have dominated German politics for years, instead favoring leaders with backgrounds in business and a focus on fiscal responsibility. The results also raise questions about Germany’s future relationship with the European Union, with the AfD’s strong performance fueling speculation about a possible push toward an EU exit. As Merz prepares to take office, Germany stands at a crossroads, balancing economic recovery, immigration reform, and growing political polarization.
Friedrich Merz’s victory marks a definitive break from the centrist approach championed by former Chancellor Angela Merkel. A long-time rival of Merkel, Merz has been critical of her leadership, particularly her handling of immigration during the 2015 refugee crisis. He has pledged to steer the CDU further to the right, advocating for tougher migration policies and a more pro-market economy.
Unlike Merkel, who spent her entire career in politics, Merz has significant experience in the private sector. After losing influence within the CDU in the early 2000s, he left politics and became a successful businessman, working for major financial firms and accumulating considerable wealth. His return to politics and subsequent rise to power reflect a broader trend seen in several Western nations—voters increasingly favor leaders with business experience, viewing them as more capable of handling economic challenges than career politicians.
Merz’s CDU won 28.8% of the vote, a strong showing that positions him as Germany’s next chancellor. However, with Germany’s coalition-based parliamentary system, he will need to negotiate with other parties to form a government. While the AfD’s surge was the election’s biggest shock, no mainstream party is willing to work with them, leaving Merz to seek alliances with the Social Democrats (SPD) or the Greens.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured 20.2% of the vote—its highest result ever—solidifying its place as a major force in German politics. Founded in 2013 as a Euroskeptic party, the AfD has since evolved into a nationalist movement that has capitalized on concerns over immigration, crime, and national identity.
Two recent deadly attacks in Magdeburg and Munich, both carried out by migrants, intensified fears over immigration in the weeks leading up to the election. The AfD aggressively campaigned on these incidents, calling for “remigration” policies that would deport immigrants regardless of their citizenship status. This rhetoric has been widely condemned by other parties, yet it resonated with a significant portion of the electorate who feel disillusioned by the government’s handling of migration.
Despite their strong performance, the AfD remains politically isolated. Other major parties have upheld a “firewall” policy against the AfD, refusing to form coalitions with them. This means that although the party has nearly doubled its support, it is unlikely to hold any governmental power in the near term. However, the party’s growing influence has already shaped political discourse in Germany, pushing even centrist parties to adopt stricter immigration policies.
Immigration was the central issue of the 2025 election, reflecting broader debates taking place across Europe and North America. Germany’s decision to welcome over a million refugees during the Merkel years was initially praised as a humanitarian success. However, as crime rates increased and integration challenges mounted, public sentiment began to shift.
The recent surge in terror attacks and social unrest has fueled concerns that Germany’s multicultural experiment is failing. Many Germans, particularly in rural and eastern regions, feel that the rapid influx of migrants has disrupted social cohesion and increased pressure on public services. The election results indicate that voters want a tougher stance on immigration, even if that means moving away from the open-border policies that have defined Germany’s approach for the past decade.
Merz has pledged to crack down on irregular migration, tighten border controls, and reduce welfare benefits for asylum seekers. While his policies are not as extreme as those of the AfD, they signal a clear shift away from the more permissive immigration policies of previous governments.
Beyond immigration, Merz faces significant economic challenges. Germany, once the economic powerhouse of Europe, has struggled with stagnation in recent years. High energy costs, declining industrial output, and inflation have created economic uncertainty, leaving many voters frustrated with the status quo.
Merz has promised to implement pro-business policies, including tax cuts, deregulation, and incentives to boost private sector investment. His economic philosophy aligns with a broader global trend where voters are turning to leaders with private-sector experience to manage struggling economies.
Another looming question is Germany’s relationship with the European Union. While Merz is a pro-EU politician, the AfD’s strong performance raises the possibility of an eventual push for Germany to reconsider its role in the bloc. The AfD has long advocated for Germany to leave the EU, arguing that it is an economic burden and a threat to national sovereignty. While an immediate “Dexit” (German exit from the EU) is unlikely, the party’s growing influence could shift the political conversation in that direction over the coming years.
The coming weeks will be crucial as Merz works to form a coalition government. With the AfD excluded from negotiations, the CDU will likely look to the SPD or the Greens for support. However, these coalition talks could be complex and time-consuming, leading to a period of political uncertainty.
Regardless of the final coalition structure, one thing is clear: Germany has taken a sharp turn away from the centrist policies that defined Merkel’s era. Immigration, security, and economic revitalization will dominate the new government’s agenda, as the country navigates an increasingly polarized political landscape.
Germany’s 2025 election is part of a broader pattern seen in many Western democracies—traditional parties are losing ground, nationalist movements are gaining strength, and voters are demanding stronger leadership on immigration and economic issues. As Merz steps into power, the world will be watching closely to see how Germany, Europe’s largest economy, responds to these shifting political tides.