Final election results in Germany announced: Far-right AfD secures 152 seats

12punto FOREIGN NEWS

The final results of the general elections held in Germany on February 23 have been announced by the Federal Returning Officer. According to the results, the Christian Union parties (CDU/CSU) took first place with 28.5 percent of the vote. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) received 20.8 percent, while the Social Democratic Party (SPD) received 16.4 percent.

The Greens reached 11.6 percent and the Left Party reached 8.8 percent. The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance – For Reason and Justice (BSW) party received 4.98 percent, and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) received 4.3 percent, failing to pass the electoral threshold. These parties did not enter the Bundestag.

According to the results, the 630-seat Bundestag will be represented by 208 CDU/CSU, 152 AfD, 120 SPD, 85 Greens, and 64 Left Party deputies. It has also been confirmed that the South Schleswig Voters' Association (SSW), representing the Danish minority, will be in parliament with 1 deputy, having been exempted from the electoral threshold under a special regulation.

COALITION TALKS CONTINUE

The election-winning CDU/CSU bloc and the SPD have completed preliminary talks to form a coalition government. The parties announced that they have exchanged views on issues such as combating illegal migration, supporting industry, and stimulating the economy.

According to a report by Der Spiegel, CDU/CSU leader Friedrich Merz announced that they aim to finalize the coalition by Easter. In the first round of talks, the SPD and CDU/CSU reached a consensus on defense. However, the SPD, which demands wage increases and 'that no hostile policies be implemented against immigrants,' noted that they have not yet reached an agreement with Merz's party.

Emphasizing that Europe must be prepared against the Russian threat, Merz called for urgent measures, using the phrase 'Five minutes to midnight.' He also pointed out that the US is not seen as a reliable ally under the Donald Trump administration.

CDU/CSU leader Merz is expected to become Germany's new chancellor by forming a coalition with the SPD and the Greens

WILL THE GREENS PROVIDE SUPPORT?

It has been stated that the CDU/CSU and SPD need the support of the Green Party to implement their measures. Merz announced that intensive talks will be held with the Green Party next week. However, the leaders of the Greens stated that there are significant differences between them and the coalition partners.

Green Party co-chair Franziska Brantner expressed reservations about supporting the new ruling coalition, stating:

'We see that the partners in the coalition talks want to fill their coffers to be able to finance their election promises.'

Green Party co-chair Franziska Brantner

News Source: 12punto