A cautious cheer erupted at the CDU's election party in Berlin when the polling stations closed at 6 pm and the exit polls were presented. With nearly 29 percent of the votes, as it stands just before midnight, the Christian Democratic CDU/CSU appears to be the largest party in the German election – but the result is still a disappointment for many.
I had clearly wished for a few more percent, says CDU member Lena Behnke from Kürten near Cologne.
Just like several others TT has spoken to, she sees the Social Democrats as the most reasonable coalition partner in the next government – but first, she wants Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz to leave politics.
Maybe this is a good opportunity for him to focus on family life.
Must start quickly
Merz took the stage around 6:30 pm, together with sister party CSU's Markus Söder, and emphasized the importance of quick government formation.
We have won the election to the Bundestag, exclaimed Merz.
The world out there is not waiting for us. It's not waiting for lengthy coalition talks and negotiations. Now we must start working quickly and do what's necessary in our own country, be present in Europe, and take our place in the world.
The greatest joy was perhaps at the far-right Alternative for Germany (AFD), where the cheering was constant at the election party. The party, with 239 out of 299 constituencies counted, has 20.7 percent and becomes the second-largest party. This is a doubling compared to the 2021 election, and the party appears to be heading for its best result for a far-right party in Germany since World War II.
This is a historic success, said one of the party leaders, Alice Weidel, who demands more influence in politics.
In contrast, the mood was gloomy at the Social Democrats' election party in the Willy-Brandt-Haus in Berlin. The party achieved 16.5 percent, its worst result since the 1880s.
I congratulate Friedrich Merz and the CDU on forming the next government. We live in a democracy, said Olaf Scholz.
Later on Sunday, Scholz said he personally does not intend to participate in government negotiations with the CDU, nor will he be part of the next government.
Liberals FDP out?
The Green Party, which also sat in the outgoing government, lies just before midnight at 11.4 percent, a significant drop from the previous election.
Liberal FDP party leader Christian Lindner announced after the election debacle that he is leaving politics entirely. FDP lies just before midnight at 4.3 percent, less than half of the result in 2021.
The election result just before midnight, with 239 out of 299 constituencies counted:
Christian Democratic CDU/CSU: 28.9 percent (+4.4 percentage points since the previous election.)
Social Democratic SPD: 16.5 percent (–9.4)
The Greens: 11.4 percent (–3.0)
Liberal FDP: 4.3 percent (–6.9)
Left Party Die Linke: 8.7 percent (+3.9)
Far-right AFD: 20.7 percent (+10.3)
Left-conservative BSW: 4.9 percent (not in the previous election)
Source: German Election Authority
Note: BSW is not reported separately by the election authority, the result above comes from public service broadcaster ARD's prognosis
