Germany's election shifts political landscape as right-wing party gains ground

Germany's recent general election saw the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party become the official opposition, doubling its vote share to over 20%. This shift marks a significant change in the political landscape, as voting for the AfD was previously seen as taboo. Friedrich Merz, leader of the centrist CDU party, will become Chancellor. He has shifted the party's stance on immigration and energy policy, promising stricter immigration controls and a potential return to nuclear energy, moving away from former Chancellor Angela Merkel's policies. The election results reflect a decline for traditional left-leaning parties, with the SPD's vote share dropping to 16%. This trend of rising nationalist parties is seen across Europe, indicating a broader shift in political dynamics.