Exit Polls Say Musk-Backed AfD Set To Score Best-Ever Showing As Germany Vote Ends
1 month ago

Exit Polls Say Musk-Backed AfD Set To Score Best-Ever Showing As Germany Vote Ends

ABP News  

German Election 2025: Germany voted on Sunday in a snap election described by the BBC as “significant not just for Germany but for the rest of Europe and beyond”. The controversial party, described by critics as extremist, and almost treated as a pariah by the country’s other political players, is polling second according to the exit polls released after voting ended late Sunday night. The exit polls peg the share of the AfD — which has courted support from Trump-backer tech billionaire Elon Musk — at around 20%, its best showing ever. According to a report by German public broadcaster DW, around 59.2 million Germans in Germany were eligible to vote on Sunday, based on figures from the country’s Statistical Office. According to the Facts About Germany website, the country’s electoral system makes “it difficult for any single party to form a government on its own — a coalition government is the rule in Germany”.

Germany Election Party Vote Polls Exit Polls German Ist Afd  vote  score  muskbacked  afd  election  political  say  snap  germany  german  exit  ends  polls  showing  party  set

History of this topic

Germany 2025 poll results: a highly fractured verdict
1 week, 6 days ago

Germany 2025 poll results: a highly fractured verdict

The Hindu  

The February 23 parliamentary poll in Germany produced several outcomes, the prominent being a highly fractured verdict. No single political formation’s vote share crossed the 30% mark, though the Christian Democratic Union -Christian Social Union emerged as the single largest group with a combined vote share of 28.6%. Click to remove AMP mode The AfD, which stormed German politics in …

Musk's pre-election affair with AfD costs Tesla big bucks, its EV sales in Germany drop 76% YoY
2 weeks, 5 days ago

Musk's pre-election affair with AfD costs Tesla big bucks, its EV sales in Germany drop 76% YoY

Firstpost  

Sales of Teslas had already plunged by almost 60 per cent in January after Musk’s intervention in German politics. Over the first two months of 2025 the group’s sales in Germany were down 70 per cent Tesla sales have crashed in Germany over Elon Musk supporting the far-right AfD party. Reuters Tesla sales in Germany recorded another drop last month, …

Just 1 voter backed AfD in Germany’s smallest town
3 weeks, 3 days ago

Just 1 voter backed AfD in Germany’s smallest town

Associated Press  

ARNIS, Germany — In the smallest town in Germany, just one out of 228 eligible voters cast their ballot for Alternative for Germany even as the far-right, anti-immigrant party saw historic gains elsewhere in the country during Sunday’s national election. While AfD surged to become Germany’s second-largest political force in the election, behind Germany’s mainstream conservatives, the party’s strength varies …

Germany must avoid another 'traffic light' coalition
Trending News
1 month ago

Germany must avoid another 'traffic light' coalition

China Daily  

Christian Democratic Union party leader Friedrich Merz speaks at the party headquarters, after the exit poll results are announced for the 2025 general election, in Berlin, Germany, Feb 23, 2025. Going by exit polls, the Christian Democratic Union-Christian Social Union alliance led by Friedrich Merz has won the election in Germany, held on Sunday, securing around 28.5 percent of the …

Germany must avoid another 'traffic light' coalition
Trending News
1 month ago

Germany must avoid another 'traffic light' coalition

China Daily  

Christian Democratic Union party leader Friedrich Merz speaks at the party headquarters, after the exit poll results are announced for the 2025 general election, in Berlin, Germany, Feb 23, 2025. Going by exit polls, the Christian Democratic Union-Christian Social Union alliance led by Friedrich Merz has won the election in Germany, held on Sunday, securing around 28.5 percent of the …

Who are the AfD? Germany’s new far-right opposition and the subject of Elon Musk’s infatuation
1 month ago

Who are the AfD? Germany’s new far-right opposition and the subject of Elon Musk’s infatuation

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Despite being designated by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency as …

Rise of far right in eastern Germany leaves multicultural Berlin trapped
Trending News
1 month ago

Rise of far right in eastern Germany leaves multicultural Berlin trapped

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Alternative for Germany, a far-right party that has called …

What does the election result mean for German politics?
1 month ago

What does the election result mean for German politics?

The Independent  

Friedrich Merz’s conservative Christian Democratic Union, very closely allied with its Bavarian partner the Christian Social Union, has come first in the German elections. Merz called this election the “last chance” for Germany’s traditional parties to prove that they can make the system work. It’s also true, though, that the 28.5 per cent of the vote won by the CDU/CSU …

How Germany voted: Election results map shows far-right AfD surge in East as CDU win most seats
Top News
1 month ago

How Germany voted: Election results map shows far-right AfD surge in East as CDU win most seats

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Germany’s far-right Alternative fur Deutschland party party saw particular …

The biggest takeaways from Germany’s election, which will bring change to the EU’s leading power
1 month ago

The biggest takeaways from Germany’s election, which will bring change to the EU’s leading power

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Germany faces its second change of leader in fewer than four years after the head of the center-right opposition, Friedrich Merz, won Sunday’s election, which saw a surge for a far-right party and a stinging defeat for outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz after first projections are announced during the election party at the Social Democratic …

Wilders congratulates AfD on second place in German elections
1 month ago

Wilders congratulates AfD on second place in German elections

Dutch News  

Geert Wilders, leader of the anti-immigration PVV party, has congratulated his German counterpart Alice Weidel after the far-right AfD took second place in the weekend German elections. “Gratuliere Alice Weidel und AfD”, Wilders wrote in a brief message on social media platform X, better known as Twitter, after Weidel’s party won a projected 20.8% of the vote, doubling its share …

Germany elections: ‘Germans got tired of no common sense agenda,’ says Donald Trump on Friedrich Merz’s win
1 month ago

Germany elections: ‘Germans got tired of no common sense agenda,’ says Donald Trump on Friedrich Merz’s win

Live Mint  

Scholz condemned the AfD's historic gains, calling the election result "bitter" for his center-left Social Democrats and acknowledging it as a "defeat." Former U.S. President Donald Trump extended congratulations to the Christian Democratic Union following their win in Germany's national election on Sunday. Donald Trump compared the situation in Germany to the political climate in the United States, claiming that …

The race to save Germany
1 month ago

The race to save Germany

Live Mint  

Germans voted for change Sunday, and the most important questions now facing their country—and Europe—are whether and how quickly they’ll get it. The likely vote share of about 29% marks a four-point improvement on his party’s result under a different leader in the last election in 2021. This is partly a vindication of Mr. Merz’s efforts to abandon the woolly …

Conservative Oppn Leader Friedrich Merz Wins German Election, Musk-Backed Far-Right AfD Finishes Second
1 month ago

Conservative Oppn Leader Friedrich Merz Wins German Election, Musk-Backed Far-Right AfD Finishes Second

ABP News  

Germany’s conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz won the national election on Sunday, while far-right Alternative for Germany followed in second place, rougly doubling its support in the strongest projections since World War II. According to the exit polls and partial counting, Merz’s Union bloc garnered around 28.5% votes, while the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany's support was projected to be 20.5%, …

German election: Who won, who lost and what’s next?
1 month ago

German election: Who won, who lost and what’s next?

Al Jazeera  

Christian Democrats came first. Germany’s Greens and the far-left Die Linke, or The Left, party exceeded the 5 percent threshold to secure seats in parliament, with 11.6 percent and 8.8 percent, respectively. As a result, the CDU/CSU partnership is projected to secure 208 seats in the Bundestag, the German parliament, the AfD 152, the SPD 120, the Greens 85 and …

Charting the rise of Germany’s far-right AfD party
Trending News
1 month ago

Charting the rise of Germany’s far-right AfD party

Al Jazeera  

The AfD doubles its share of the vote from 10.4 percent in 2021 to 20.8 percent, becoming Germany’s second largest political party. In a historic shift in Germany’s political landscape, the far-right Alternative for Germany has surged to become the second largest party in the Bundestag, winning 20.8 percent of the vote in federal elections. They include: Immigration controls, including …

Wilders delighted by far-right AfD's gains in German election; Others concerned
1 month ago

Wilders delighted by far-right AfD's gains in German election; Others concerned

NL Times  

PVV leader Geert Wilders is delighted by the gains made by the radical right-wing AfD in the German elections, congratulating his kindred spirits in all caps on X. The radical right-wing AfD doubled its support and came out the second-largest party with 20.8 percent of the votes, 10.4 percent more than in the previous election. In another post, he called …

Conservatives celebrate German election win as the far right sees historic success
1 month ago

Conservatives celebrate German election win as the far right sees historic success

Associated Press  

BERLIN — German opposition leader Friedrich Merz’s conservatives have won a lackluster victory in a national election Sunday, projections show. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print From left, Amira Mohamed Ali, co-leader of the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance, Jan van Aken, co-leader of the Left Party, Robert Habeck, Vice Chancellor and member of the …

Germany Elections: Friedrich Merz claims victory; far-right AfD surges, exit polls show
1 month ago

Germany Elections: Friedrich Merz claims victory; far-right AfD surges, exit polls show

Live Mint  

Centre-right opposition leader Friedrich Merz declared victory in Germany’s national election on Sunday after exit polls indicated his bloc was in the lead. Scholz acknowledges election defeat, congratulates Merz Germany’s incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz has admitted to a resounding defeat in the national election, calling it a “bitter result” for his center-left Social Democratic Party. Merz's conservatives lead, far-right AfD …

Germany’s far-right AfD hails ‘historic’ election gains, Weidel calls for CDU alliance
1 month ago

Germany’s far-right AfD hails ‘historic’ election gains, Weidel calls for CDU alliance

Firstpost  

CDU leader Friedrich Merz has ruled out any such alliance but caused uproar last month by bringing a motion to parliament that was passed with AfD votes, breaching a long-standing taboo. Image- AFP Alice Weidel, leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, celebrated the party’s strongest-ever national election performance on Sunday as exit polls projected it secured 19.5 to 20 …

Germany’s far-right AfD hails ‘historic’ election gains, Weidel calls for CDU alliance
1 month ago

Germany’s far-right AfD hails ‘historic’ election gains, Weidel calls for CDU alliance

Firstpost  

CDU leader Friedrich Merz has ruled out any such alliance but caused uproar last month by bringing a motion to parliament that was passed with AfD votes, breaching a long-standing taboo. Image- AFP Alice Weidel, leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, celebrated the party’s strongest-ever national election performance on Sunday as exit polls projected it secured 19.5 to 20 …

Exit polls show Merz’s conservatives leads in German election, far-right posts record gains since WWII
1 month ago

Exit polls show Merz’s conservatives leads in German election, far-right posts record gains since WWII

Firstpost  

Germany’s conservatives won Sunday’s elections, with their leader Friedrich Merz set to become the next chancellor, followed by the far-right AfD in second place after record gains, according to exit polls. Image- AFP Exit polls show opposition leader Friedrich Merz’s conservatives leading in Germany’s national election. The exit polls for ARD and ZDF public television show Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s center-left …

German election 2025 live updates: Exit poll expected soon with eyes on far-right after pivotal vote
1 month ago

German election 2025 live updates: Exit poll expected soon with eyes on far-right after pivotal vote

The Independent  

✕ Close Elon Musk says multiculturalism 'dilutes everything' at German far-right rally For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates …

German elections: CDU’s Merz looks set to be next chancellor as far-right AfD surges
55 years, 2 months ago

German elections: CDU’s Merz looks set to be next chancellor as far-right AfD surges

CNN  

Election posters for various parties are seen on lamp poles in Frankfurt, Germany, on Thursday. The snap vote is being held following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-way coalition in November and are almost certain to bring about a change of government. Whoever wins has the task of reviving Germany’s moribund economy - and face the reality of the …

As Germany goes to vote, far-right AfD puts leftists & moderates on notice
1 month ago

As Germany goes to vote, far-right AfD puts leftists & moderates on notice

Firstpost  

In Germany that once swore to never again let fascism take over, neo-Nazis of Alternative for Germany are projected to be the second-largest party in elections, putting the moderates on notice that if they don’t address the socioeconomic crisis, their time might be up soon A decade ago, Germany had a resilient economy, a fiscal discipline that was admired, and …

The worrying surge of the AfD
Trending News
1 month ago

The worrying surge of the AfD

The Hindu  

On the first day of the 61st Munich Security Conference, the U.S. Vance, lambasted European leaders, accusing them of censoring free speech and criticising German mainstream parties for their “firewall” against the far-right Alternative for Germany. In a country that was sensitive about how it frames any political conversation around migrants, refugees, and so-called ‘Others’, given its history, the AfD …

Germans head to polls amid economic uncertainty
1 month ago

Germans head to polls amid economic uncertainty

Firstpost  

EU allies are cautiously hopeful the elections might deliver a more coherent government able to help drive forward policy at home and in the bloc People walk past an election campaign poster of Friedrich Merz, Christian Democratic Union party candidate for chancellor, the day before the parliamentary election, in Potsdam, Germany. Reuters Germans were voting in a national election on …

German Elections 2025: Discontented Germany votes in an election with economy, migration and far-right strength in focus
Trending News
1 month ago

German Elections 2025: Discontented Germany votes in an election with economy, migration and far-right strength in focus

The Hindu  

German voters are choosing a new government in an election on Sunday dominated by worries about the years-long stagnation of Europe's biggest economy, pressure to curb migration and growing uncertainty over the future of Ukraine and Europe's alliance with the United States. This election is taking place seven months before it was originally planned after center-left Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition …

Who are the outsiders in Germany’s Bundestag elections that may decide the vote outcome?
1 month ago

Who are the outsiders in Germany’s Bundestag elections that may decide the vote outcome?

Firstpost  

From Elon Musk to Zelenskyy, here’s a look at foreign actors who had a strong influence on the German political landscape as the country heads to the polls Election posters showing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, right, and CDU top candidate for chancellor Friedrich Merz in Frankfurt, Germany, Feb. 8, 2025. At the final election debate, Germany’s four leading chancellor candidates …

Who are the outsiders in Germany’s Bundestag elections that may decide the vote outcome?
1 month ago

Who are the outsiders in Germany’s Bundestag elections that may decide the vote outcome?

Firstpost  

From Elon Musk to Zelenskyy, here’s a look at foreign actors who had a strong influence on the German political landscape as the country heads to the polls Germans go to poll on Sunday as they are all set to decide which way the country will be heading after the. The following day, German news outlets described Vance’s remarks as …

German Election Live Updates: CDU's Friedrich Merz claims victory, Scholz concedes defeat
1 month ago

German Election Live Updates: CDU's Friedrich Merz claims victory, Scholz concedes defeat

Firstpost  

German Snap Election 2025 Live Updates: The conservative CDU/CSU is projected to lead the new German parliament with around 29 per cent of the vote, positioning Friedrich Merz as the frontrunner for chancellor. Germany’s conservative election frontrunner Friedrich Merz promised Saturday in his last rally before Sunday’s elections that if he takes power he will be a “strong voice in …

Merz claims win for German conservatives as far right surges to strongest postwar election result
Trending News
1 month ago

Merz claims win for German conservatives as far right surges to strongest postwar election result

CNN  

Berlin CNN — Germany’s center-right Christian Democratic Union is set to return to power with the far-right Alternative for Germany as second-largest party, exit polls show, after snap elections dominated by concerns over immigration, the economy and the return of Donald Trump. Merz declared victory at the event in central Berlin, as he told supporters “Let’s get the party started,” …

German election results: CDU leader Merz warns Europe should seek ‘independence’ from the US after conservatives win, far-right support surges
1 month ago

German election results: CDU leader Merz warns Europe should seek ‘independence’ from the US after conservatives win, far-right support surges

CNN  

Berlin CNN — Europe must seek to “achieve independence” from the United States, Germany’s likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz said after exit polls showed his opposition conservatives were on track to win Sunday’s election, in a vote that also saw surging support for the far-right. “Let’s get the party started,” Merz, 69, told supporters as he declared victory at the …

Germany’s CDU ahead in election exit poll, strong support for far right
1 month ago

Germany’s CDU ahead in election exit poll, strong support for far right

Al Jazeera  

Friedrich Merz from the opposition CDU is on track to be Germany’s next chancellor. Germany’s opposition conservative Christian Democratic Union party has been projected to win the national election, putting leader Friedrich Merz on track to be the next chancellor, exit polls show. “The world out there is not waiting for us.” Merz – a longtime party rival of ex-Chancellor …

Germans start voting, polls suggest shift to right
1 month ago

Germans start voting, polls suggest shift to right

India Today  

Germans were voting in a national election on Sunday that is expected to restore power to Friedrich Merz's conservatives while the far-right Alternative for Germany party is forecast to achieve its best result yet in Europe's ailing economic powerhouse. That could leave unpopular Chancellor Olaf Scholz in a caretaker role for months, delaying urgently needed policies to revive Europe's largest …

The date, candidates and key issues in the German election
1 month ago

The date, candidates and key issues in the German election

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Here's a look at the main contenders and the …

German voters head to the polls this weekend – here is what to expect
1 month ago

German voters head to the polls this weekend – here is what to expect

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Germans head to the polls …

German election: Conservatives eye victory as far-right AfD gains ground in polarised contest
1 month ago

German election: Conservatives eye victory as far-right AfD gains ground in polarised contest

Firstpost  

Sunday’s vote comes at a time of upheaval for Europe and its biggest economy as US President Donald Trump has ended a united Western stance on the Ukraine conflict by reaching out to Russia. Merz vows ‘strong voice’ for Germany in EU Germany’s conservative election frontrunner Friedrich Merz promised Saturday in his last rally before Sunday’s elections that if he …

German election: Conservatives eye victory as far-right AfD gains ground in polarised contest
1 month ago

German election: Conservatives eye victory as far-right AfD gains ground in polarised contest

Firstpost  

Sunday’s vote comes at a time of upheaval for Europe and its biggest economy as US President Donald Trump has ended a united Western stance on the Ukraine conflict by reaching out to Russia. Merz vows ‘strong voice’ for Germany in EU Germany’s conservative election frontrunner Friedrich Merz promised Saturday in his last rally before Sunday’s elections that if he …

German election live: Final poll predicts large gains for AfD days before vote
Trending News
1 month ago

German election live: Final poll predicts large gains for AfD days before vote

The Independent  

✕ Close Elon Musk says multiculturalism 'dilutes everything' at German far-right rally For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates …

Germany elections: What do the polls say? Who is leading the race for Bundestag?
1 month ago

Germany elections: What do the polls say? Who is leading the race for Bundestag?

Firstpost  

the most notable gains are expected for the far-right Alternative for Germany, which is projected to finish second with 20 per cent of the vote and 145 seats Activists encourage people to go and vote in the elections during a Fridays for Future climate strike. File image/Reuters The centre-right Christian Democrats are projected to win Germany’s 2025 federal election, securing …

German election live: Final poll predicts large gains for AfD days before vote
Trending News
1 month ago

German election live: Final poll predicts large gains for AfD days before vote

The Independent  

✕ Close Elon Musk says multiculturalism 'dilutes everything' at German far-right rally For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates …

German frontrunner pledges to lead in Europe before key election
1 month ago

German frontrunner pledges to lead in Europe before key election

Al Jazeera  

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and opposition leader Friedrich Merz appeal to voters in the run-up to Sunday’s election. Election frontrunner Friedrich Merz from the centre-right Christian Democratic Union party on Saturday promised to revive Europe’s largest economy and defend Europe’s interests in the face of a confrontational US administration. Merz said, “With me, Germany will have a strong voice in …

Germany is holding a national election. Here’s what’s at stake
Trending News
1 month ago

Germany is holding a national election. Here’s what’s at stake

CNN  

Berlin CNN — Voting opened Sunday in a German general election that opinion polls suggest will bring a new chancellor and a new governing coalition. The chancellor called Musk’s support for far-right politicians in Europe “disgusting.” Tech billionaire Elon Musk speaks via a video transmission during the election campaign launch rally of the far-right Alternative for Germany party, in Halle, …

Germany is holding a national election. Here’s what’s at stake
Trending News
1 month ago

Germany is holding a national election. Here’s what’s at stake

CNN  

Berlin CNN — Voting opened Sunday in a German general election that opinion polls suggest will bring a new chancellor and a new governing coalition. The chancellor called Musk’s support for far-right politicians in Europe “disgusting.” Tech billionaire Elon Musk speaks via a video transmission during the election campaign launch rally of the far-right Alternative for Germany party, in Halle, …

Germany Bundestag election 2025: All most frequently asked questions answered
1 month ago

Germany Bundestag election 2025: All most frequently asked questions answered

Firstpost  

German voters will vote to choose their new Bundestag on Sunday. Here is everything you need to know about elections for the lower house of the German Parliament Germany is all set for general elections on Sunday. Source: AP Germany is all set for general elections on Sunday, triggered by the collapse of “traffic-light” coalition of social democrats, liberals and …

German voters head to the polls this weekend – here is what to expect
Trending News
1 month ago

German voters head to the polls this weekend – here is what to expect

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Germans head to the polls …

The date, candidates and key issues in the German election
Trending News
1 month ago

The date, candidates and key issues in the German election

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Here's a look at the main contenders and the …

Uncertainty grows among refugees and migrants as Germany heads to the polls
1 month ago

Uncertainty grows among refugees and migrants as Germany heads to the polls

Al Jazeera  

Rights groups say migrants and refugees live in an atmosphere of fear amid a far-right resurgence. “It’s a protest vote because people are frustrated,” said Ines Heider, parliamentary candidate for the Revolutionary International Organisation, an independent group promising open borders and an end to weapons for Israel. The tickets, dated February 23, said a passenger by the name of “illegal …

Discover Related