CDU CSU alliance leads in exit polls for 2025 German national election

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) alliance, led by Friedrich Merz, is projected to win the 2025 German national election, according to exit polls. This marks a significant shift in power. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is expected to finish second, achieving its best result since World War II. The incumbent Social Democratic Party (SPD), led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, is projected to come in third. Before this election, the SPD was the largest party in the Bundestag with 205 seats, while CDU/CSU held 196 seats. The AfD is set to gain the most seats, becoming the second largest party.