The 2025 German federal elections have brought significant changes to the country’s political landscape. The results show a growing divide, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) gaining ground, the Left Party (Die Linke) making a surprising comeback, and the Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens suffering heavy losses. These shifts indicate increasing polarization among voters, with many turning away from traditional establishment parties.
Far-Right Surge: The Rise of Neo-Nazi AfD
The most striking outcome of this election is the rise of the AfD (often called as the neo-nazi) which secured 20.8% of the vote, a sharp increase of 10.4% compared to the previous election. This gave them 152 seats in the Bundestag, making them the second-largest party. Much of their support came from former East Germany, where frustration with mainstream politics and nationalism are on the rise. Their campaign focused heavily on anti-immigration policies and national identity, which resonated with many voters. Despite efforts from mainstream parties to block them from power, the AfD’s growing influence cannot be ignored.
Center-Right CDU/CSU Emerges as Largest Party
Meanwhile, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian counterpart, the Christian Social Union (CSU), emerged as the largest party with 28.5% of the vote and 208 seats. However, their gains were relatively small, and they still lack the 316 seats needed for a majority government. This means they will likely have to negotiate a coalition with the Greens and the weakened SPD. While they remain Germany’s leading party, the rise of the AfD and the decline of other mainstream parties make their position uncertain.
The Fall of Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens
For the SPD, the election results were disastrous. Their vote share fell to 16.4%, losing 9.3 percentage points and dropping to 120 seats. The Greens also faced losses, with their share decreasing by 3.1%, leaving them with 85 seats. Many voters were disappointed with the SPD-led government’s handling of economic issues, climate policies, and Germany’s role on the global stage. This dissatisfaction pushed voters toward more radical alternatives, both on the right and the left.
The rise of The Left
One of the most unexpected outcomes was the resurgence of the Left Party (Die Linke). The party doubled its previous vote share, reaching 8.8% and winning 64 seats. This was surprising given the recent departure of their former leader, Sahra Wagenknecht, who formed a new party, the Bund für Soziale Wohlfahrt (BSW). Wagenknecht’s party failed to pass the 5% threshold required to enter the Bundestag, securing only 4.97% of the vote.
However, if combined, Die Linke and BSW’s votes total nearly 14%, suggesting that there is still strong support for left-wing politics despite shifts in leadership.
This election has also highlighted the growing divide between East and West Germany. The AfD dominated in the East, benefiting from long-standing economic struggles and dissatisfaction with the government, while the CDU/CSU performed best in the West, particularly in Bavaria. Die Linke and the Greens found most of their support in urban areas, where younger and more progressive voters tend to lean left. This divide reflects deeper social and economic differences that continue to shape German politics.
While many European countries are shifting to the right, the Left Party’s success in Germany suggests that left wing progressive politics still have a place. Their ability to reconnect with working-class voters, even without Wagenknecht, shows that left-wing movements can still gain traction if they focus on economic justice and social issues that matter to ordinary people.
Beyond Germany, these election results offer lessons for other regions, including South Asia. The sharp divide between East and West Germany, driven by economic inequality and regional grievances, is similar to political divides seen in South Asian countries. The AfD’s rise demonstrates how economic struggles and frustration with the establishment can fuel the success of nationalist and anti-establishment parties.
Looking ahead, Germany faces a complex and fragmented political future. The CDU/CSU remains the largest party, but forming a stable government will require difficult coalition negotiations. The rise of the AfD, the decline of the SPD, and the unexpected success of Die Linke all point to a shifting political landscape where traditional alliances may no longer hold.
At a time when right-wing politics are gaining ground across Europe, the resilience of left-wing movements in Germany offers a counterbalance. The next few years will be crucial in determining whether this political fragmentation leads to stability or further uncertainty. One thing is clear: Germany’s political landscape has entered a new and unpredictable phase.
