Alternative for Germany (AfD), a far-right party under surveillance for suspected extremism, made significant gains in Germany’s general election, with the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leading coalition talks. Exit polls show AfD in second place with 19.8% of the vote, doubling its previous share, while the CDU leads at 28.7%. CDU leader Friedrich Merz has ruled out working with AfD, maintaining the political “firewall” against the far right.

Under Alice Weidel’s leadership, AfD achieved its strongest showing in its 12-year history. She called the campaign a “glorious” success and asserted the party’s readiness to govern despite rejection from mainstream parties. Meanwhile, Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party is projected to place third at 16.4%, likely ending his tenure. Scholz called the result “bitter” and warned against normalizing the far right.

The election reflects deep divisions in Germany, with key issues including immigration, economic stagnation, and Ukraine. Recent high-profile attacks linked to migrants have fueled tensions, which AfD has sought to capitalize on. The Trump administration’s open support for AfD has further polarized the debate, unsettling many in a country still wary of its Nazi past.

Alice Weidel.

Protests erupted outside AfD’s election-night event in Berlin, with demonstrators calling the party “fascist” and raising concerns over democracy. Around 100 protesters traveled to the gathering, closely monitored by police. “This party is so dangerous,” said Jenny, a 32-year-old bank worker. “That’s why it’s important to protect our democracy.”

Economic concerns also played a major role in the election. Once Europe’s industrial powerhouse, Germany’s economy has stagnated, teetering on recession. CDU and AfD advocate for tax cuts and reduced public spending, while the Social Democratic Party and the Greens favor investment subsidies and higher taxes for the wealthy. Ukraine remains another point of division—most parties support aiding Ukraine against Russia, but AfD opposes continued assistance and favors stronger ties with Moscow.

Germany’s semiproportional voting system makes outright victories rare, forcing parties to form coalitions, often requiring weeks or months of negotiations. The tense political climate sets the stage for a complex and contentious government formation process.