The policy brief examines the results of the parliamentary elections in Germany in 2025; analyzes internal and external factors influencing electoral behavior; reviews changes in Germany’s political landscape based on election results; and characterizes the political portrait of the future German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The parliamentary elections in Germany on February 23, 2025, took place against the backdrop of political crisis, economic stagnation, and changes in the international environment. The significant increase in support for «Alternative for Germany» and the worst historical result for the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) indicate changes in the state’s political landscape. Nevertheless, the systemic centrist parties in Germany (CDU/CSU and SPD) maintain the trust of the population and have the potential to form a more stable coalition to overcome the existing crises in the state.
The rhetoric of the future Chancellor F. Merz indicates a readiness to reconsider Germany’s international role, including the idea of strengthening Europe’s independence from the United States in defense matters. The new government could potentially take a more decisive position on providing military support to Ukraine. At the same time, the new state leadership will have to simultaneously address acute internal problems (migration, economy) and respond to external challenges (US policy, Russia’s aggression, competition with China).
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