The Alternative for Germany (AfD) made history during the 2025 German federal elections, establishing itself as the leading political force across eastern Germany. With remarkable results, the AfD surpassed the Union (CDU/CSU), marking a significant shift on the political spectrum following the election held on February 24, 2025.
Final counts from all districts revealed the AfD securing more than 37 percent of the vote share both in Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt and achieving over 38 percent in Thuringia, where it emerged as the dominant party. This was coupled with the CDU's surprisingly weakened position—while the CDU nationally garnered about 28.5 percent, this was far below its historical standards during previous elections.
Across Germany, the results echoed disillusionment with the outgoing government, which had received only 17 percent approval from voters, according to recent surveys, setting the stage for the landslide wins for the opposition parties, especially the AfD. The party's rise was detailed by sociologist Matthias Quent, who stated, "The establishment of the AfD cuts across far-right circles, demonstrating widespread acceptance among voters hungry for change."
Notably, the SPD saw significant declines, plummeting to approximately 16.4 percent—a stark 9.3-point drop compared to the last federal election. The party's failure to navigate the political terrain under Chancellor Olaf Scholz's leadership cost them dearly, diminishing their influence significantly especially within eastern regions. Ralf Stegner of the SPD lamented the results, saying, "This is what happens when the SPD takes third place behind extremists."
Conversely, the Greens and the Left Party maintained minor but notable footholds, with the Left increasing its support within the young electorate, positioning itself as the alternative for voters disillusioned with SPD and CDU. According to party statistics, the Left achieved 8.6 percent overall, reflecting gains predicated on the parties' stances against right-wing extremism.
Your sentiments were corroborated by Inside Left Party political analyst Lorenz Gösta Beutin who stated, "People are rising against nationalism and racism. The anguish surrounding current social dynamics has rendered our message more relevant than ever."
The situation also highlighted the rise of the AfD as a party perceived as increasingly normal within the political fabric of Germany. This shift was illustrated by recent polls indicating around 84 percent of AfD supporters viewing their party as situated within the political center rather than the far-right. The shift is alarming, especially as many voters point to the party's strategies surrounding immigration as assessing their electoral success at over 20 percent nationally, according to official reports from the Landeswahlleiter.
Friedrich Merz, heading the CDU, had calculated to steer his party back to success by directly engaging with certain nationalist sentiments, though critiques surfaced questioning whether it would yield votes or simply alienate potential allies. His opponent, the freshly succeeded head of the AfD, Kurt Kleinschmidt, reaffirmed the party's readiness for coalition dialogues. "We are open to negotiations; it is about listening to voter will, not ignoring it."
The election marked out significant changes and challenges for historical parties. Merz encountered declines, with many voters expressing concerns around whether he could reverse the tide away from right-wing politics. Political thinkers stressed the CDU's historic footprint was under threat due to new dynamics shifting voter interests.
Voter turnout was extraordinary this election with around 83.5 percent, surpassing previous turnout rates, indicating heightened political engagement among the German populace. Notably, Schleswig-Holstein showcased substantial turnout reflecting active participation across the board—a sign of intensified political dynamics within German society.
The rise of parties like the AfD points to broader sentiments across the electorate craving solutions to contemporary crises involving migration, economic instability, and national identity politics. This thematic issue is pivotal for the emergent government—a task expected to yield considerable debate as potential coalitions navigate these developing circumstances. The immediate future is treacherous and carries with it the very promise of change, but the outcomes remain uncertain.
Responses from political leaders reflect anticipated upheaval with Daniel Günther (CDU) noting the electorate’s cry for action: "The voters have sent us a clear signal; they want political change."
Overall, these election results transform not only the political map of Germany but also forecast considerable re-evaluations of political alliances, particularly heading toward challenges likely to influence governance efficacy moving forward.