German election sees record voter turnout and major shifts in parliament seats

Voter turnout in Germany's early federal election on February 23 reached a record 83.5%. The election followed the collapse of the ruling coalition of Social Democrats, Greens, and Free Democrats in late 2024. The conservative Christian Democratic Union, led by Friedrich Merz, won the most votes, while the far-right Alternative for Germany gained significantly. The Social Democrats, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, experienced the largest loss. The CDU/CSU secured 208 seats but will need a coalition to reach a majority of 316. Possible partners include the SPD or the Greens, as the CDU has ruled out a coalition with the AfD.