The 2025 German elections have come and gone, and the results are in—but don’t expect any clear answers. Germany’s political scene is more divided than ever, with no single party emerging as the clear winner. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Friedrich Merz, managed to bounce back a bit from their 2021 loss, but not enough to take control. Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party (SPD), led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, held onto some support but struggled to keep everyone happy, especially with rising economic concerns.
The Greens, who had a big moment in 2021, saw their support drop this time around. Voters like their climate policies, but not when it means higher energy bills or stricter rules for businesses. On the other hand, the Free Democratic Party (FDP), a pro-business group, made a surprising comeback by promising lower taxes and less government interference. And then there’s the Alternative for Germany (AfD), the controversial right-wing party that gained even more ground by tapping into frustrations over immigration and energy prices.
Now comes the tricky part: forming a government. Germany’s system means no party can rule alone, so they’ll have to team up. The most likely options are a repeat of the current “traffic light” coalition (SPD, Greens, FDP) or a new “Jamaica” coalition (CDU, Greens, FDP). But don’t hold your breath—these talks could take months, and there’s no guarantee they’ll work out.
What does all this mean for Germany and the rest of Europe? For starters, it shows just how divided German voters are. Some want bold action on climate change, others want lower taxes, and some are fed up with the whole system. This makes it hard for any government to get things done. And with the EU facing big challenges like economic recovery and geopolitical tensions, Germany’s political uncertainty could slow down decision-making at a time when Europe needs strong leadership.
In short, the 2025 elections didn’t solve much—they just highlighted how complicated German politics has become. As the parties try to figure out who will work with whom, one thing is clear: Germany’s political future is anything but predictable.