• Source:JND
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Friedrich Merz is set to become the new Chancellor of Germany as the conservative alliance received the highest number of votes in the parliamentary elections held on Sunday. However, his alliance did not secure a clear majority.  

"Tonight we will celebrate, and tomorrow we will start working. I will try to form a government that represents the entire country. There is no question of forming a coalition with the AFD," Merz said after the victory.

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Although 69-year-old Merz has no prior experience running a government, he has promised to provide better leadership for the country.

Olaf Scholz Accepts Defeat

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has accepted his loss and congratulated Friedrich Merz on his victory. US President Donald Trump posted on the social media platform, Truth Social, calling it a historic day for Germany. According to exit polls, Merz’s alliance received 28.5 to 29 per cent of the votes. The far-right party AFD came in second with 20 per cent of the votes.

This is the highest level of support for a far-right party since World War II. Scholz's Social Democratic Party (SPD) had its worst performance since the war, garnering just 16.5 per cent of the votes. The Greens party received 12 per cent votes. 

The coalition led by Scholz broke down last November, which is why elections had to be held seven months ahead of schedule. Following the election results, Merz will have to work hard to secure a majority, as his alliance, despite winning the most seats, did not achieve the necessary 50 per cent majority.

More than 59 million voters cast their ballots to elect the 630 members of Germany's lower house of parliament, the Bundestag. Voting took place from 8 AM to 6 PM local time. Merz cast his vote in Arnsberg on Sunday morning, while Scholz voted in Potsdam.

The elections were held at a time when Germany, Europe's largest economy, is facing long-standing stagnation, pressure to curb illegal immigration and growing uncertainty regarding Ukraine's future and Europe’s alliance with the US.

Germany's Bundestag has 630 seats, 299 of which are directly elected by voters. The remaining 331 seats are allocated proportionally based on party votes. Voters give two votes—one for a local candidate and another for a political party. The seats in the lower house are allocated proportionally based on the second vote.

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This election campaign was heavily focused on the issue of illegal immigration, with several attacks carried out by illegal immigrants. Economic stagnation was also a significant topic in the election.