German Election Results: CDU Leads, AfD Doubles in Size

berlin, germany - Initial exit polls show CDU as the largest party in Germany, with AfD doubling in size.

CDU Leading in German Elections

The CDU appears to be the largest party in Germany, according to initial exit polls after the polls closed. The AfD emerges as the second-largest party, doubling in size.

The Christian Democrats of CDU and CSU are set to replace the Social Democratic SPD as the largest faction, as per ARD's forecast after the polling stations closed. CDU leader Friedrich Merz is considered the frontrunner to succeed Olaf Scholz (SPD) as chancellor. Voter turnout was very high at 84 percent.

The Social Democrats likely achieved their worst result ever in the Bundestag with 16 percent. CDU/CSU is projected to have 29 percent. AfD almost doubles from over 10 to nearly 20 percent.

The Greens and the far-left Die Linke both comfortably exceed the 5 percent threshold with 13.5 and 8.5 percent respectively. The liberal FDP, which left Scholz's government at the end of last year, is at risk with 4.9 percent of the votes. Additionally, the new party BSW, a splinter from Die Linke, might fall just below the threshold with 4.7 percent.

With the CDU and AfD's gains, German voters indicate a shift to the right as predicted. The Federal Republic is grappling with economic stagnation, a severe shortage of affordable rental housing, and major concerns about the integration of millions of refugees. The country accepted one and a half million asylum seekers from Arab and African countries. Following the Russian invasion in 2022, over a million people from Ukraine arrived. Many newcomers are unemployed. Furthermore, there are almost weekly terrorist attacks.

The outcome of the election is also significant for the Netherlands. Our economy is closely linked to German trade. There is over two hundred billion euros in mutual imports and exports annually. Trade barriers or new taxes and regulations could impact Dutch businesses.

Moreover, the Netherlands and Germany collaborate closely in the EU and NATO. Three Dutch combat brigades are under German command. This cooperation is evident at the base in Lithuania. Regarding aid to Ukraine, invaded by Russia, Berlin and The Hague stand together.