German Federal Election: Merz Becomes Chancellor
Scholz's three-party coalition (SPD-Green-FDP) collapsed in November 2024 over budget disputes, triggering the snap election. The AfD's surge to second place, doubling its vote share and finishing well ahead of the SPD, confirmed the far right's continued rise in German politics following its strong showing in 2024's eastern state and European elections. Unable to govern with the AfD (all other parties maintain a 'firewall' excluding it from coalitions) and unwilling to continue with the FDP, Merz negotiated a grand coalition with the SPD.
- Year: 2025 CE
- Category: Political
