Conservatives Win German Election, AfD Secures Historic Gains

In Germany's recent national elections, opposition leader Friedrich Merz's conservative CDU/CSU bloc emerged victorious, securing approximately 28.7% of the vote, while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved a historic second place with around 19.8%. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD) suffered significant losses, finishing with only 16.4%, marking their worst result since World War II. Merz, who lacks previous government experience, faces the challenge of forming a coalition, with mainstream parties ruling out any cooperation with the AfD. The election, conducted amid economic stagnation and rising migration concerns, has sparked discussions on Germany's leadership role in Europe. Merz has expressed commitment to strengthening Germany's NATO ties and providing leadership in Ukraine's defense. The election results indicate a shift in the political landscape, raising questions about future governance amidst diverging party ideologies.