German Election Results 2025 Live Updates: ‘People got tired of no common sense agenda,’ says US President Trump after Conservative bloc led by Friedrich Merz win polls

Stocks in major German companies rose on Monday on hopes for a stable coalition government that could end policy gridlock and tackle the country’s economic problems.

The DAX share index — which includes Mercedes-Benz Group, engineering firm Siemens AG and business software firm SAP — rose 0.74% to 22,452.04 in morning trading. A

two-party coalition between the conservative Christian Democratic Union and the center left Social Democrats “will likely be seen as positive by Germany’s corporate sector,” say analysts at Deutsche Bank. The outgoing three-party coalition was at odds over how to fix the stagnating economy. - AP

Far Right leader Alice Weidel says she missed a congratulatory call from tech billionaire Elon Musk after the German election late Sunday. Her far-right party, the Alternative for Germany, finished in second place.

Weidel told reporters in Berlin that “this morning, when I turned my phone on or looked at it, I had received missed calls in the night from the USA, including from Elon Musk, who congratulated me personally.”

Musk, an ally of President Donald Trump, has waded several times into German politics during the election campaign and openly supported Weidel’s AfD.Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Friedrich Merz, who won the election, have sharply criticized Musk’s efforts to influence the election in Germany.

Friedrich Merz, 69, who has no previous experience in office set to become chancellor, faces complex and lengthy coalition negotiations after the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) surged to a historic second place in a fractured vote.

Mainstream parties rule out working with the AfD which enjoyed the endorsement of prominent US figures including Elon Musk and US President Donald Trump.

Despite Trump welcoming the election outcome, Merz took aim at the US in blunt remarks after his victory, criticising the "ultimately outrageous" comments flowing from Washington during the campaign, comparing them to hostile interventions from Russia.

Merz vowed to help give Europe "real independence" from the US as he prepared to cobble together a government. --Reuters

Germany saw a record-breaking voter turnout of 83.5 per cent, the highest since its re-unification in 1990.

The realisation of Germany's dependence on Russian energy, irregular migration and an underwhelming performance from the manufacturing sector have been the apparent variables responsible for the SPD's decline.

But what caught the attention of poll analysts have been the far-right AfD's historic rise with its vote share doubling to 20.8 per cent, and The Left's victory in Berlin.

A radical left party which includes some former East German communists, The Left has historically struggled to attract broad voter support. In the previous election, the party's vote share halved to 4.9 per cent.

This year, the party has re-emerged and brought it's vote share to 8.8 per cent. It's policies include big tax hikes for the rich and rethinking the NATO defence alliance.

The rise could be attributed to its break in taboo on cooperating with the far-right.

Here’s what the provisional results say

CDU/ CSU: 208 seats/ 28.5 percent

AfD: 152 seats/ 20.8 percent

SPD: 120 seats/ 16.4 percent

Greens: 85 seats/ 11.6 percent

The Left (Die Linke): 64 seats/ 8.8 percent

BSW: 5 seats/ 5 percent

Other: 1 seat/ 4.6 percent

FDP: 4 seats/ 4.3 percent

Friedrich Merz, the 69-year-old chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is set to become Germany's next chancellor, promising to navigate the country's economic slump and steer Europe's largest economy back on course.

As a conservative leader, Merz advocates for tax cuts, deregulation, and a more decisive role for Germany in global affairs. His leadership marks a shift in Germany's political landscape, with rising support for right-wing parties, including the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

In a surprising turn of events, Die Linke, or The Left party, has emerged victorious in Berlin, capturing 19.9% of the vote, a significant improvement from its 2021 performance, according to the DPA news agency, reported by Al-Jazeera.

This marks the first time The Left party has won the most votes in Berlin in a federal election, surpassing its previous fourth-place finish. The CDU secured 18.3% of the vote, while the Greens experienced a sharp decline, dropping to 16.8% .

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has made a significant mark in the eastern region of Germany, securing 34% of the vote, despite coming in second nationally with 20.8% of the vote. This strong showing in eastern Germany, comprising states such as Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Saxony, highlights the "lasting divisions almost a quarter of a century since the country was reunified".

The AfD's success in this region reflects widespread discontent among residents regarding the challenging reunification process since 1990, with the party's stance resonating deeply in areas that have struggled with economic disparities and social grievances.

Leader of far right AfD Alice Weidel waves a German flag at the AfD party headquarters in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, after the German national election. (Photo: AP)

Christian Lindner, the leader of Germany's pro-business Free Democratic Party (FDP), has announced his resignation from active politics after the party failed to secure the 5% threshold needed to enter the Bundestag.

Lindner, who served as finance minister during Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition government, stated that he's leaving politics with a sense of gratitude for his 25 years of service, marked by intense debates and creation. (Al-Jazeera)

Supporters of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party are ecstatic about their historic election result, with the party securing 20% of the vote. AfD members, including Gilbert Kalb and Mary Khan, praised the party's gains, with Kalb noting that the conservatives are adopting AfD positions. Bjoern Hoecke, the party leader in Thuringia, declared that the results mark a "new era" for Germany, characterized by a turbulent but transformative time .(Al-Jazeera)

Here’s what the provisional results say

Friedrich Merz's conservatives have emerged victorious in the German election, capturing 28.6% of the vote. With the complete vote count in, Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured second place, followed by the Social Democrats (SPD) in third and the Greens in fourth. Two smaller parties narrowly missed the 5% threshold required to enter parliament.

Merz's win, combined with the presence of only five parties in parliament, positions him favorably to form a coalition government, likely with the SPD. (BBC)

German opposition leader Friedrich Merz has stated that coalition talks may take up to two months, citing Easter as a deadline. "We have eight weeks now until Easter, and I think that is enough time, enough maximum time in which to form a government … If we have one partner it will be easier, if we need two partners it will be harder, but even in that case it will have to be successful," Merz said, as reported by Al Jazeera.

He emphasized the importance of forming a government quickly, saying "The main thing is to create a government in Germany that is capable of acting as quickly as possible, with a good parliamentary majority. Because dear friends, the world out there is not waiting for us and it is not waiting for lengthy coalition talks and negotiations."

French President Emmanuel Macron has congratulated Friedrich Merz on his election victory, expressing his enthusiasm for strengthening France-Germany relations and working together towards a unified Europe.

Macron stated on X, "We are more determined than ever to do great things together for France and Germany and to work towards a strong and sovereign Europe." He also mentioned that he had spoken with outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, emphasizing the importance of unity in the face of global challenges .

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer took to X to congratulate Friedrich Merz and the CDU/CSU on their election victory, stating that he looks "forward to working with the new government to deepen our already strong relationship, enhance our joint security and deliver growth for both our countries".

Friedrich Merz, the projected winner of the German election, aims to propel Germany back onto the European and world stage, emphasizing the need for strong leadership in uncertain times.

With the US-Germany alliance strained due to Donald Trump's return to the White House, Merz seeks to strengthen ties with European allies, particularly France's Emmanuel Macron and the UK's Keir Starmer, who are scheduled to meet in Washington.

Merz envisions a Germany that prioritizes European interests, countering the nationalist "Germany for Germany" slogan of the far-right AfD party with his own vision of "Germany for Europe in Europe". (BBC)

A CDU official, Jurgen Hardt, has expressed concerns that forming a coalition government will be "very difficult" due to the party's unwillingness to work with the far-right AfD and the potential loss of the Free Democratic Party (FDP) in parliament.

Hardt noted that a coalition with the Social Democrats and Greens might be particularly challenging, except in areas like foreign and security policy. Meanwhile, AfD's Beatrix Von Storch doubts the new government's ability to deliver on its promises, predicting a short-lived government and potential re-election within one to two years.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Friedrich Merz on his projected election victory, expressing his enthusiasm for continued collaboration with Germany. In a post on X, Zelensky stated, "we look forward to continuing our joint work with Germany to protect lives and bring real peace closer to Ukraine."

Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of European unity and defense, saying, "Europe must be able to defend itself, develop its industries, and achieve the necessary results... Europe needs shared successes, and those successes will bring even greater unity to Europe."

World leaders have congratulated Friedrich Merz on his election win in Germany. Here are some reactions:

- Mark Rutte, Dutch Politician and NATO Secretary General: Rutte expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Friedrich Merz, stating "I'm looking forward to working with Friedrich Merz" on X. Rutte emphasized the importance of Europe increasing its defense spending, noting it's "vital" and that "your leadership will be key".

- Mette Frederiksen, Denmark's Prime Minister: Frederiksen congratulated Merz, highlighting the need for a strong Europe and Germany during uncertain times.

- Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister: Netanyahu looked forward to working closely with Merz's upcoming government to strengthen the partnership between their countries .

- Donald Trump, US President: US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to congratulate the conservative party in Germany on their election win, calling it a "great day for Germany". He attributed the victory to the German people's dissatisfaction with the "no common sense agenda", implying that they were seeking change. Trump's statement reflects his own conservative views and his enthusiasm for like-minded politicians gaining power.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Merz and the Union bloc “on their clear election victory.” He wrote on X, "Looking forward to working closely with your upcoming government to further strengthen the partnership between our two countries.”

US President Donald Trump reacted to the German election results on Truth Social, calling it “a great day for Germany.” While he did not mention any party by name, he wrote, “Looks like the conservative party in Germany has won the very big and highly anticipated election.”

CDU leader Friedrich Merz outlined his coalition preferences in an interview with German public broadcaster ARD, emphasizing his party's clear victory and commitment to forming a government that addresses national concerns. "What that government will look like, we don't yet know," Merz said, as per DW. "But it's not a secret that I would prefer one coalition partner rather than two. And a coalition with the AfD isn't up for debate. Their supporters knew that from the start and still voted for them."

As the current numbers stand, the CDU cannot form a two-party coalition without the AfD. A Grand Coalition with the SPD would also fall short, holding only 45% of the seats. While partnering with the Greens would secure a majority, it may prove unpopular among conservatives. The Free Democrats (FDP) could be an alternative, but only if they surpass the 5% threshold.

(With inputs from DW)

A few hours after polling stations close, Germany’s political party leaders will participate in a live panel discussion known as the "elephant round table" or Elefantenrunde, reported AP. This televised debate, held at 8:15 pm local time after every national election, dates back to post-war Germany. The term was originally used to highlight both the political influence of the participants and, playfully, their physical presence.

Alternative for Germany leader Alice Weidel says the party is “open for coalition negotiations” with the Union bloc following the party’s historic gains. Friedrich Merz, who exit polls show leads in the election, has repeatedly ruled out working with AfD, as have other parties.

(AP)

Some of the loudest cheers of the night came from the Berlin suburb of Neukölln, where the Left Party celebrated exit polls predicting up to 8.5% of the vote, securing their place in parliament. "I'm so incredibly grateful for this result which shows clearly that our focus on social topics was successful," said co-chair Heidi Reichinnek, as per DW. "We were absolutely right to listen to people and act. We were right to focus on rent and food costs. We showed that we don't just talk; we act."

(With inputs from DW)

German exit polls factor in preelection surveys to account for absentee voters.

(With inputs from AP)

Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has decried historic gains by the Alternative for Germany, or AfD. The far-right, anti-immigrant party is headed for second place in the national election, while Scholz’s party fell to third. Scholz decried that “an extreme right-wing party like the AfD is getting such election results. That must never be something that we will accept. I will not accept it and never will,” reported AP. Scholz said he hopes that all political parties continue their traditional refusal to work with the far right. “No cooperation with the extreme right,” he said.

(AP)

Alice Weidel waved a German flag at AfD headquarters in Berlin as the far-right, anti-immigrant party achieved its best national election result since World War II, reported AP.

Matthias Miersch, the secretary-general of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats, called the election results “a historic defeat.” The party appears to be headed for third place. “This is very, very bitterly serious,” Miersch said.

(AP)

Carsten Linnemann, the general secretary of the Christian Democratic Union party, told the ARD broadcaster: “One thing is clear: the Union has won the election ... The new chancellor will be called Friedrich Merz.”

(AP)

The exit polls also show Alternative for Germany, or AfD, on course for the strongest far-right showing in a national election since World War II.

(AP)

At the SPD headquarters in Berlin, party supporters remain hopeful for a late surge in votes as they brace for the election outcome, as per DW. Many recall the 2021 election when undecided voters propelled the center-left party to victory, leading Olaf Scholz to the chancellorship. "We are celebrating that the election campaign is over and are happy about every percentage point that we hopefully get more than the polls predict," said Arnulf Triller from the SPD in Brandenburg. He remains optimistic that last-minute support could make a difference.

Melanie Marx-Bouriat, another SPD member, emphasized the party’s role in maintaining social balance and expressed a desire to see it form a coalition with Friedrich Merz's CDU/CSU. "We suffer as a group when we suffer," she told DW.

At the Left Party headquarters, spirits are high as recent polls suggest the party will secure a spot in the Bundestag, defying earlier predictions of its electoral demise. DW reported a celebratory mood among attendees. Once struggling at just 3% support in December, the party’s numbers have surged to an estimated 8%, marking a significant turnaround. Longtime parliamentary director Jan Korte, who is stepping down, expressed confidence in the party’s return. "This will sweeten my farewell," Korte told DW.

On the East Frisian island of Norderney, voters cast their ballots in an unconventional way—inside traditional white and blue beach chairs instead of standard voting booths, Al Jazeera reported. The island's mayor, Frank Ulrichs, explained that these large wicker two-seaters with a canopy offer both portability and privacy, making them a practical choice. “I think many islanders don’t know any normal voting booths because they always vote here on Norderney in beach chairs,” Ulrichs told the DPA news agency. The setup has been a longstanding tradition on the island, which has around 6,000 residents.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Polling stations across Germany are about to close, with nearly 59 million eligible voters casting their ballots in a closely watched election, reported Al Jazeera. Pre-vote surveys suggest the conservative CDU, led by Friedrich Merz, is expected to emerge as the leading party, while the far-right AfD is on track for its strongest result yet. Economic concerns and immigration have been key issues shaping voter sentiment ahead of the election. Some polls indicated that nearly a quarter of voters were still undecided before heading to the polls, adding uncertainty to the final outcome.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Citizens in the German capital are casting their votes in traditional polling stations like schools, kindergartens, gyms or retirement homes. But there are also some unusual voting locations in Berlin, local broadcaster RBB reports, including car dealerships, restaurants and pubs. About 2.43 million people are eligible to vote in the city.

(AP)

Germany’s public television networks will release exit polls immediately after voting ends at 6 pm local time, reportd AP. These polls, conducted by Infratest dimap for ARD and Forschungsgruppe Wahlen for ZDF, have a strong track record of accuracy. As the evening progresses, the networks will update projections based on both exit polls and counted votes.

(With inputs from AP)

Thousands of Germans living abroad were unable to participate in Sunday’s election due to delayed ballot deliveries, reported DW. While around 213,000 Germans overseas had registered to vote—up from 129,000 in 2021—many did not receive their ballots in time. Germany’s Federal Returning Officer Ruth Brand acknowledged the complaints but said authorities have no control over international postal services. Despite efforts to facilitate voting abroad, many Germans were effectively excluded from the election process.

(With inputs from DW)

Germany’s outgoing parliament remains male-dominated, with only 34.8% of lawmakers elected in 2021 being women, reported AP. Out of 736 members, just 256 were female. While this marks progress from 1949, when only 6% of lawmakers were women, gender disparity remains a challenge. However, this Bundestag is Germany’s most diverse yet, with an increased number of members from immigrant backgrounds and two transgender lawmakers. Despite some improvements, the lack of equal representation in parliament continues to be a pressing issue.

(With inputs from AP)

Election workers in Munich are preparing to count postal votes by spreading pink envelopes on a big table. Letters can be opened starting at 3 p.m. local time and the actual count begins at 6 p.m. when polling stations have closed.

(AP)

Friedrich Merz and Olaf Scholz, the two main contenders for Germany’s chancellorship, have differing views on handling the Ukraine war, reported DW. Scholz, Germany’s current Social Democrat (SPD) chancellor, has focused on modernizing the military and making Germany Ukraine’s second-largest weapons supplier. However, he has remained firm in his refusal to send Taurus long-range missiles.

Merz, leader of the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU), has pushed the party further to the right and taken a more aggressive stance on military aid. He has expressed support for supplying Taurus missiles to Ukraine, provided other allies agree.

As the election unfolds, their opposing strategies on Ukraine could play a crucial role in shaping Germany’s foreign policy. While Scholz prioritizes caution, Merz advocates for a bolder stance, potentially signaling a shift in Germany’s role in the war if he secures the chancellorship.

(With inputs from DW)

German election regulations require a pen in the voting booth—but the definition is surprisingly broad. Voters can use pencils, colored pencils, ink pens, ballpoint pens, felt-tip pens, and more. And if none of those suit your preference? You’re free to bring your own!

(With inputs from AP)

Germany’s election authority says 52% of eligible voters had cast their ballots four hours before polling stations close. The authority said the figure for turnout by 2 p.m. local time didn’t include people who voted by postal ballot. It compares with 36.5% at the same time in the 2021 election, but many people cast absentee ballots in that vote, which took place during COVID-19 restrictions.

Turnout is typically high in German elections. The final turnout figure in the 2021 election was 76.4%.

(AP)

Germany’s far-right AfD party may join the Patriots for Europe group in the European Parliament after the election, sources have confirmed, as per Euronews. While no formal talks are scheduled yet, discussions are reportedly gaining momentum within the group.

After last June’s EU elections, AfD formed a smaller alliance, Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN), with just 26 lawmakers. In contrast, Patriots for Europe has grown into the third-largest bloc, with 86 MEPs from 13 EU nations, including France’s Rassemblement National, Italy’s Lega, and Hungary’s Fidesz. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán recently endorsed AfD’s co-leader Alice Weidel during a meeting in Budapest, further fueling speculation about a potential alliance.

(With inputs from Euronews)

With Germany’s election coinciding with carnival season, many wonder if they can vote in fancy dress, reported DW. According to electoral guidelines, voting in costume is allowed as long as it doesn’t disrupt order at polling stations or cause a public nuisance. Carnival, known as "Fasching" in southern Germany and "Karneval" in the Rhineland, is widely celebrated in Catholic regions before Lent. While the main holiday runs from February 29 to March 3, festivities have already begun for many revelers.

(With inputs from DW)

The election will decide who sits in the lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, which will then elect the chancellor. Every voter gets two votes: one for a directly elected candidate, the other for a party list. The list vote is critical because it determines the percentage of seats each party wins.

(AP)

Mainstream German parties say they won’t work with any far-right parties threatening democracy, a postwar stance often referred to as a "firewall." That includes the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Sunday’s election. US Vice President JD Vance in Munich earlier this month said there is no place for “firewalls,” drawing strong criticism from German leaders.

(AP)

Polling stations are open from 8 am to 6 pm (0700 UTC to 1700 UTC) , with vote counting beginning immediately after, as per DW. Exit polls will provide an early picture of the outcome, but official results are expected early Monday. Government formation could be tricky, depending on how many parties cross the 5% threshold to enter parliament. If multiple smaller parties make it in, forming a coalition may be more complex, as a two-party majority might not be possible.

(With inputs from DW)

There is no formal referee for the process of forming a new government, and no set time limit, as per AP. Conservative leader and front-runner Friedrich Merz has said he hopes to form a new government by mid-April if he wins. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's outgoing government will remain in office on a caretaker basis until the Bundestag elects the new chancellor.

(AP)

Berliners woke up to a grey but milder morning as residents headed to polling stations, while others enjoyed the warmer weather, filling cafes and taking walks, as per reports by Al Jazeera. Despite the busy atmosphere, unease lingers. A day earlier, a Syrian man was arrested for allegedly stabbing a Spanish tourist near the Holocaust memorial. Meanwhile, a far-right demonstration in the city center led to clashes with anti-far-right groups, adding to tensions as voters cast their ballots.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Elon Musk has been accused of interfering in German elections after endorsing the far-right AfD. On December 20, he posted on X, “Only the AfD can save Germany.” In an opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag, he dismissed claims that AfD is extremist, citing party leader Alice Weidel’s same-sex partner from Sri Lanka.

Musk argued that Germany is on “the brink of economic and cultural collapse” and claimed AfD could prevent its decline, as reported by Al Jazeera. Defending his stance, he said his “significant investments” in Germany gave him the right to comment.

AfD’s rise has unsettled mainstream German parties due to the country’s Nazi history. The party, which began as an anti-euro movement, has taken a harder stance on immigration, Islam, and national identity over time.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Germany is holding elections to choose a new Bundestag, with nearly 60 million voters expected to cast their ballots, as per Euronews. German voters cast two votes—one for a candidate in their district and another for a political party, which decides how seats in the Bundestag are distributed. A party must win at least 5% of the second vote or secure three directly elected candidates to enter parliament.

A major change this year is the removal of “overhang seats,” which previously led to an oversized Bundestag. The new system caps the parliament at 630 seats, meaning some district winners may lose their seats if their party’s overall vote share is too low. Once the seats are allocated, parties negotiate to form a coalition government, which can take weeks or months. Possible coalition options include a grand alliance between the CDU/CSU and the center-left SPD. The German president proposes a chancellor candidate, but the Bundestag must vote to confirm them with an absolute majority. If no candidate wins outright, additional rounds of voting take place.

(With inputs from Euronews)

Incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz from the center-left party Social Democrats voted in Potsdam, Brandenburg on Sunday, as per DW. Scholz had formed a coalition government with the Greens and Free Democrats in 2021. However, his government had been facing several challenges in recent months, with deadly attacks carried out by migrants leading the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) to protest against Scholz. Meanwhile, conservative frontrunner and Union Bloc leader Friedrich Merz also cast his vote in Arnsberg in western North Rhine-Westphalia, minutes after Scholz, as per DW.