Kiel – The mood at the election parties of the SPD and FDP was tense, to say the least. At the SPD gathering at the Kiel Smokehouse, long faces quickly appeared as the party suffered significant losses both nationally and locally. Meanwhile, the FDP anxiously hovered near the five-percent threshold, with anxiety and anticipation dominating the atmosphere. With early exit poll results trickling in, it became apparent early on just how challenging the evening would be for the Social Democrats. SPD Kreisvorsitzende Gesine Stück tried to lift the spirits of the roughly 100 attendees, urging them not to be disheartened: “Don’t be disappointed, don’t be discouraged,” she called out, asserting, “We are the good ones.”
When the first numbers flickered onto the large screen, silence fell. “This is the expected and feared breaking point for the SPD,” acknowledged Ulf Kämpfer, the Vice State chairman and Kiel's mayor. He described the results as “bad for the Social Democracy in every regard,” echoing concerns about the overall state of the democratic party system in Germany. “The center is crumbling, and the fringes are gaining,” Kämpfer observed, adding, “Actually, the SPD should go to the opposition.” He emphasized the necessity of rational discussions among parties, indicating the potential need for CDU and SPD to engage with one another: “It would not be the first time for the SPD to put state interests before their own.”
From Berlin, SPD state leader Serpil Midyatli spoke out, reminding everyone, “The ball is now with Friedrich Merz and the CDU.” He has the mandate to form the government. Meanwhile, the FDP was experiencing its own nail-biting situation. “It’s already a bitter evening when you’re scraping so closely under the five percent mark,” expressed former state minister Bernd Buchholz, reflecting on the situation. The FDP’s Spitzenkandidat Wolfgang Kubicki, who had previously predicted “a grand election victory,” appeared more subdued as he hinted at thoughts of withdrawing from politics if the party fails to enter the Bundestag again. “Returning from outside parliament would be too much for me,” he remarked, yet he maintained some optimism, stating, “It’s currently a ride on the razor’s edge.”
There was, of course, some hope for the FDP as early results indicated performances above five percent for them in Schleswig-Holstein. Buchholz pointed out the need to reassess how the FDP can regain its significance without allowing Daniel Günther the opportunity to form another coalition with the Greens. Throughout this tense atmosphere, the ZDF became the channel of choice for the Liberals as it projected their chances slightly above the five percent line, drawing applause from party members eager for good news.
Meanwhile, the Südschleswigsche Wählerverband (SSW) was experiencing unrestrained celebration. Spitzenkandidat Stefan Seidler expressed satisfaction, reporting, “We are all very pleased.” With the election outcome confirming SSW’s Bundestag seat and added votes, he declared, “We have achieved both our election goals and something historic,” which he found encouraging for future work within the Bundestag. “Every vote counts,” he asserted at the victory party.
Post-election reports suggest the SSW secured approximately 4 percent of the vote, eclipsing its 3.2 percent from 2021. How does the SSW manage to enter the Bundestag when most parties need five percent? This is due to the special provisions of the German electoral law, which allows minority parties such as the SSW to bypass the threshold. The SSW, established to represent the Danish and Frisian minorities, has significant historical roots, founded after World War II as minority representation. It has maintained its influence over the decades, first entering Bundestag again after years of absence just two years before this election.
The SSW's political alignment often positions them alongside the Social Democrats and the Greens, as indicated by their past coalition work from 2012 to 2017. Their core policies advocate for social and liberal values, and they aim to reform laws to encourage infrastructure investments, increase access to educational funding, and protect minority rights. Alongside these, they address issues like climate protection and regional development—significant topics for the northern parts of Germany.
Historical background shows the SSW's formation as reflective of Schleswig-Holstein's unique cultural identity. The region witnessed dynamic changes due to centuries of affiliation with the Danish kingdom, leaving behind significant minorities post-1920 border adjustments. Throughout its history, the SSW has evolved, gaining traction and recognition once again since the late 1990s. Given this backdrop, the 2025 elections stand as another step forward for this party of fewer than 40,000 votes needed for representation, reaffirming its role as a stalwart for the rights of minorities and regional interests.
Despite the challenges faced by larger parties like SPD and FDP, the success of the SSW indicates broader changes within German politics, pointing to the continuous importance of regional voices. The election results affirm this shift, showcasing how pivotal smaller parties can navigate through the political maze and bring minority perspectives to the forefront.
With responses from various party leaders hinting at complex future negotiations, the stage is set for dynamic discussions on the formation of the next German government. The distinct positive outcomes for the SSW amid widespread challenges for traditional parties spotlight the need for all voices to be heard and valued within Germany’s democracy.