Conservative opposition wins German election and the far right is 2nd with strongest postwar result [Video]

Germany has voted — and the exit polls show opposition leader Friedrich Merz and his Conservative Party on course for a lackluster victory in Sunday’s election. Alternative for Germany, or AfD, scored the best result for a far-right party since World War II. (AP Video / Feb. 23, 2025)

By Geir Moulson The Associated Press

BERLIN (AP) — Germany’s conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz won a lackluster victory in a national election Sunday, while Alternative for Germany doubled its support in the strongest showing for a far-right party since World War II, projections showed.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz conceded defeat for his center-left Social Democrats after what he called “a bitter election result.” Projections for ARD and ZDF public television showed his party finishing in third place with its worst postwar result in a national parliamentary election.

More from The Star & partners

Please log in to use this feature