Conservatives win German election as far-right AfD achieves record result

In Germany's 2025 election, conservative leader Friedrich Merz's party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is projected to win with 28.5% of the vote. The far-right AfD is set for its strongest result at 20%. Incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democratic Party (SPD) is on track for its worst-ever outcome, receiving only 16.5% of the vote. US President Donald Trump praised the election results, while Merz criticized Trump's comments during the campaign. This election follows Scholz's loss of a confidence vote in January, marking Germany's fourth snap election.