The CDU/CSU coalition candidate for German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, declared victory in today’s general elections in Germany, calling it a “historic election night.”
Speaking at party headquarters after the release of preliminary results, which showed the CDU/CSU coalition winning 29% of the vote, Merz acknowledged the responsibility and challenges ahead. He noted that the campaign had been particularly tough, addressing issues of economic policy, migration, foreign policy, and security.
He expressed confidence that he would soon be able to form a government capable of acting in Germany’s best interest.
“The world outside is not waiting for us and lengthy negotiations,” Merz stated, as reported by The Guardian.
According to early exit polls released by German media, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU), led by Friedrich Merz, is in the lead with 29% of the vote in Germany’s snap parliamentary elections. In second place, according to projections, is the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD), which secured 19.5%, marking a historic success for the party.
The Social Democratic Party (SPD) of outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz received 16% of the vote, according to polls, making it their worst result, German media report.
The Greens won 13.5% of the vote, while the Left Party placed fifth with 8.5%.
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Scholz Admits Defeat
Social Democratic leader Olaf Scholz stated that he must accept that his party lost the election and suffered a bitter defeat.
“In the previous election, we had a better result, for which I was responsible, and today we performed much worse, for which I am also responsible,” Scholz said.
He thanked voters and emphasized that it had been an honor to serve as chancellor, adding that he would carry out his duties until the last day of his mandate.
Congratulating Friedrich Merz on his victory, Scholz assured his supporters that the party would continue to fight for democracy.
“We now have a strong Alternative for Germany, and we cannot and will never accept their very good election result,” Scholz stated.
“We must stick to what we have always said—we must not cooperate with the far right,” he insisted, adding that he hopes other parties will “keep that promise.”
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Source: N1, Foto: AP / Markus Schreiber