AfD open to coalition as Scholz concedes defeat in German election
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In a historic outcome, AfD secured around 20% of the vote, marking their strongest postwar result and positioning themselves as the second-largest party in the Bundestag.
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An election poster of the German far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD), right, is attached to a lamppost in front of a giant election poster showing a map of Germany, at the headquarters of the German Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Berlin, Germany, Jan. 29, 2025. Slogan reads: 'Now AfD' (AP Photo/Michael Sohn, File)
The right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which secured second place in Germany's snap parliamentary elections with 20% of the vote, has expressed willingness to enter a coalition with the winning party if they can find common ground on migration and economic policies.
AfD co-chairman Tino Chrupalla told RIA Novosti, "I have always said that our hand is extended when it comes to truly important substantive issues, such as migration and economic policies."
Despite this overture, Friedrich Merz, the Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) chancellor candidate has ruled out any coalition with AfD, maintaining his stance against aligning with the far-right party.
Merz now faces the challenge of forming a stable government without AfD's support, despite their significant gains. As coalition talks begin, Merz's decision on potential allies will be pivotal in shaping Germany’s political landscape.
AfD surge
In a historic outcome, the AfD secured around 20% of the vote, marking its strongest postwar result and positioning itself as the second-largest party in the Bundestag. This surge reflects a growing shift in Germany's political climate, with the AfD's rise raising concerns about the influence of far-right policies on mainstream politics.
Meanwhile, incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz conceded defeat, acknowledging the Social Democratic Party (SPD) faced a substantial setback.
"This is a bitter election result for the SPD. It is a defeat in the elections… This time the election result is bad and, therefore, I bear responsibility for this election result as well," Scholz stated during a speech broadcast on ZDF television. He also congratulated Friedrich Merz on CDU/CSU's victory, signaling a likely change in leadership.
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The CDU/CSU bloc, under Merz's leadership, emerged victorious with approximately 29% of the vote. Merz has expressed his intent to form a stable government swiftly but faces challenges in coalition-building, given his refusal to collaborate with AfD.
The CDU/CSU's triumph marks a landmark political shift, potentially ending the SPD’s reign and leading to a conservative resurgence in Germany.
