Germany's recent Bundestag election has delivered surprising results, with the new movement Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) just shy of entering the national parliament, falling short by 13,435 votes below the required five percent threshold. This close miss reflects not only the changing political dynamics within Germany but also the rising influence of established parties like CDU/CSU and the right-wing AfD.
The election saw CDU, led by Friedrich Merz, emerge as the clear winner, claiming 28.6 percent of the votes and securing 208 seats, though they missed their hoped-for 30 percent. Following them was the AfD, doubling its support since the last election to 20.8 percent and securing 152 seats. Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party (SPD), traditionally one of Germany's major parties and led by outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz, recorded its lowest result ever at 16.4 percent, resulting in only 120 mandates.
Scholz conceded the defeat, stating, "This is a bitter election result for the Social Democratic Party. It is also an election defeat. I think we have to make this clear from the outset." He expressed concern over the significant gains made by the AfD, commenting, "A far-right party like the AfD achieving such election results must never be accepted. I will and cannot accept this."
On the other hand, Merz celebrated the CDU's victory, declaring, "We, the CDU and the CSU, have won this Bundestag election 2025." He acknowledged the responsibility placed on his party and echoed the need for immediate action, stating, "The world out there does not wait for us to conduct lengthy coalition negotiations. We need to act quickly and consistently to reform the country and restore Germany's reliable governance on the European stage."
The AfD's co-leader, Alice Weidel, positioned her party's results as defiance against predictions aimed at diminishing their support. "We have doubled our votes; they wanted to halve them. The opposite has happened," she pronounced proudly, signaling the AfD's ambition to be included in future governance discussions.
The situation was less jubilant for the Greens, whose chancellor candidate Robert Habeck did not shy away from the party's underwhelming performance, which netted them 11.6 percent of the votes and 86 seats. He stated, "The election result itself gives cause for reflection... the resurgence of right-wing populism is troubling.” He emphasized the concerning direction of voter sentiment, particularly highlighting the parties’ reluctance to support Ukraine's fight for freedom during the conflict.
BSW's performance gives rise to questions about their political future and strategy moving forward. Sahra Wagenknecht, who heads the BSW, had hoped for improved results and expressed disappointment at not being included within the Bundestag. The election results were later confirmed by the federal election supervisor, who noted the party’s final count of votes fell below the five percent threshold.
Though BSW enjoyed initial enthusiasm, the result showcases the challenges for smaller parties to mobilize enough support against the backdrop of established political factions. Both the SPD and BSW have to reconsider their strategies and narratives to align more closely with voter sentiments or risk being sidelined in future elections.
Overall, the 2025 Bundestag election not only reshaped the parliament but also highlighted significant shifts within German politics. Traditional parties strengthened their footholds, especially amid the increased visibility of right-wing populism, as observed through the AfD's notable gain. This scenario raises important questions about Germany's political direction and the strategic adjustments parties like BSW must undertake to remain relevant.
The new CDU-led coalition discussions will begin shortly, with aims to establish stable governance before Easter, as outlined by Merz. This renewed political energy may serve as both opportunity and challenge for small parties like BSW, whose immediate future hangs uncertainly amid the turbulence of Germany’s dynamic electoral climate.