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German election 2025

Friedrich Merz's center-right CDU, together with its CSU sister party, won Germany's 2025 parliamentary election. The far-right populist Alternative for Germany saw massive support across the east, coming in second.

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German ballot partially covered by buttons with German parties' symbols

German ballot partially covered by buttons with German parties' symbols

Russia's war emigrants pursue careers in German politics

Young Russians who found refuge in Germany have become engaged in local politics. DW tells their stories.

French President Emmanuel Macron (R) welcomes CDU leader Friedrich Merz for a State Banquet at Bellevue presidential palace in Berlin on May 26, 2024, during the French president's state visit.

French President Emmanuel Macron (R) welcomes CDU leader Friedrich Merz for a State Banquet at Bellevue presidential palace in Berlin on May 26, 2024, during the French president's state visit.

How Merz aims to regain Germany's standing on foreign issues

Can Germany's new chancellor Friedrich Merz restore trust at home and reclaim the country's global influence?

Friedrich Merz smiling as he gets appointed by the President on May 6, 2025

Friedrich Merz smiling as he gets appointed by the President on May 6, 2025

Germany's new chancellor: Who is Friedrich Merz?

He's never had a top government job, yet became Germany's tenth chancellor. A look at the life of Friedrich Merz.

Leader of the Christian Democrats Friedrich Merz is applauded after being elected new chancellor at the German federal parliament, Bundestag, at the Reichstag building in Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

Leader of the Christian Democrats Friedrich Merz is applauded after being elected new chancellor at the German federal parliament, Bundestag, at the Reichstag building in Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

Merz becomes German chancellor after shock first-round loss

After a shocking early setback, the 325-vote win marks a rocky start to the conservative’s four-year chancellorship.

Friedrich Merz, head of the German Christian Democrats (CDU), speaks at a party congress

Friedrich Merz, head of the German Christian Democrats (CDU), speaks at a party congress

Who is Germany's would-be chancellor, Friedrich Merz?

CDU leader Friedrich Merz is set to be elected as German chancellor. He will be facing a long list of challenges.

Friedrich Merz after his failure to secure a majority in the Bundestag in the first round of voting

Friedrich Merz after his failure to secure a majority in the Bundestag in the first round of voting

Why is Friedrich Merz so unpopular with the public?

Most Germans don't trust CDU chief Friedrich Merz — not least because of his approach to the far-right AfD.

A view of AfD co-leader Alice Weidel raising her right hand during a party convention (file photo)

A view of AfD co-leader Alice Weidel raising her right hand during a party convention (file photo)

Who is Alice Weidel, co-leader of Germany's far-right AfD?

DW takes a closer look at Alice Weidel, the woman who's become the public face of Germany's far right.

Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla in front of microphones

Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla in front of microphones

AfD party labeled 'extremist' by German intelligence

Germany's domestic intelligence agency has designated the entire far-right AfD party an extremist organization.

A hand holds a paper that says Mindestlohn (minimum wage) on it, along with several 50 and 100 Euro bills

A hand holds a paper that says Mindestlohn (minimum wage) on it, along with several 50 and 100 Euro bills

New German government weighs hiking minimum wage

Though a boost to €15 an hour would mean more money for workers, some say it could contribute to increased inflation.

On a blue background, a miniature drawing of the Brandenburg Gate is seen between the words "Berlin Briefing" in caps and a design depicting radio airwaves

On a blue background, a miniature drawing of the Brandenburg Gate is seen between the words "Berlin Briefing" in caps and a design depicting radio airwaves

Meet Germany's new decision-makers

DW’s Michaela Küfner breaks down who Friedrich Merz has chosen for his new cabinet.

Christian Democrat Johann Wadephul who will become Germany's next foreign minister looks self-confidently into the camera as he holds his arms crossed.

Christian Democrat Johann Wadephul who will become Germany's next foreign minister looks self-confidently into the camera as he holds his arms crossed.

Who is Germany's incoming foreign minister, Johann Wadephul?

Johann Wadephul will be the first conservative in almost 60 years to hold the position as Germany's top diplomat.

Friedrich Merz and the ministers of his new government sit in the blue chairs of the Bundestag

Friedrich Merz and the ministers of his new government sit in the blue chairs of the Bundestag

Germany's new government

CDU leader Friedrich Merz is Germany's new chancellor. It took two votes in the Bundestag for him to get there.

German Foreign Minister-designate Johann Wadephul speaks into a DW microphone (file photo)

German Foreign Minister-designate Johann Wadephul speaks into a DW microphone (file photo)

Incoming German FM: 'We will stand with Ukraine'

In an exclusive interview with DW, Johann Wadephul (CDU) speaks about Russia's war in Ukraine and US-German relations.

In the front: the leaders of Germany’s conservative party, Markus Soeder and Friedrich Merz; in the background: the leaders of the social democratic party, Lars Klingbeil and Saskia Esken

In the front: the leaders of Germany’s conservative party, Markus Soeder and Friedrich Merz; in the background: the leaders of the social democratic party, Lars Klingbeil and Saskia Esken

Germany’s new plan for young people

Germany’s conservative and social democratic parties have tabled a coalition deal. With less than 25% of 18 to 24-year-olds voting for them in the last election, what does this deal offer young people?

On a blue background, a miniature drawing of the Brandenburg Gate is seen between the words "Berlin Briefing" in caps and a design depicting radio airwaves

On a blue background, a miniature drawing of the Brandenburg Gate is seen between the words "Berlin Briefing" in caps and a design depicting radio airwaves

Can Germany cope with Xi and Trump at the same time?

Germany’s incoming government will face a geopolitical nightmare from Day 1. Stuck between a hostile White House and a China which threatens Germany’s crucial auto industry. Can likely Chancellor Friedrich Merz handle both at the same time? In this edition of Berlin Briefing, Richard Walker jumps into the Germany-China-US dynamic with Andrew Small of GMF and DW’s Melissa Chan in Taipei.

On a blue background, a miniature drawing of the Brandenburg Gate is seen between the words "Berlin Briefing" in caps and a design depicting radio airwaves

On a blue background, a miniature drawing of the Brandenburg Gate is seen between the words "Berlin Briefing" in caps and a design depicting radio airwaves

Will Merz's coalition deal do the economic trick?

Germany's likely next government has published its much-awaited coalition agreement. The political marriage document between Friedrich Merz's conservative CDU/CSU party and the Social Democrat SPD marks a clamp down on migration. It also promises a huge boost for Germany's struggling economy. But will Merz's plan to stop the deindustrialization of Germany work?

Germany's women compete at the 3x3 basketball in Paris

Germany's women compete at the 3x3 basketball in Paris

Germany's new government makes sport a top priority

For the first time, a minister of state is to be specifically responsible for sport in Germany's new government.

From left to right: Donald Trump, Friedrich Merz, Vladimir Putin in close-up shots

From left to right: Donald Trump, Friedrich Merz, Vladimir Putin in close-up shots

How will Trump, Putin shape Germany's foreign policy?

Germany's Social Democrats and Conservatives are about to form a coalition amid the global economic and political chaos.

Marcel Fratzscher, President of the German Institute for Economic Research, in a DW interview

Marcel Fratzscher, President of the German Institute for Economic Research, in a DW interview

Can Germany's new government rescue the economy?

DW discusses challenges and possible solutions with Marcel Fratzscher (German Institute for Economic Research).

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser holds up a graphic at a press conference

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser holds up a graphic at a press conference

Germany's government to get tougher on irregular migration

Getting into Germany and staying there will get tougher under the new coalition government.

A worker on a machine factory floor

A worker on a machine factory floor

German industry under pressure

Germany’s small and medium-sized companies face competition from China, high energy costs, and excessive red tape.

CDU foreign policy expert Johann Wadephul speaks into a DW microphone

CDU foreign policy expert Johann Wadephul speaks into a DW microphone

Wadephul: Germany now in position to lead in Europe

DW asked CDU foreign policy expert Johann Wadephul about the future government's plans.

(L to R) The leader of the conservative Christian Social Union (CSU) and Bavaria's State Premier Markus Soeder, the leader of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party Friedrich Merz and the co-leaders of Germany's Social Democratic party (SPD) Lars Klingbeil and Saskia Esken address journalists

(L to R) The leader of the conservative Christian Social Union (CSU) and Bavaria's State Premier Markus Soeder, the leader of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party Friedrich Merz and the co-leaders of Germany's Social Democratic party (SPD) Lars Klingbeil and Saskia Esken address journalists

Germany's conservatives, SPD reach coalition agreement

"Germany is back on track", chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz told a press conference in Berlin.

Friedrich Merz

Friedrich Merz

Who is Friedrich Merz, Germany's likely next chancellor?

Merz has a checkered history — from challenging Angela Merkel to causing controversy by aligning with the far right.

Policewoman stops traffic with a police trowel at the border crossing from Austria to Germany in Oberaudorf.

Policewoman stops traffic with a police trowel at the border crossing from Austria to Germany in Oberaudorf.

Germany grapples with tougher asylum policy

Conservatives and Social Democrats are negotiating how a potential future government should deal with asylum seekers.

A billboard for Gerrmany's conseratives featuring likely next Chancellor Friedrich Merz is pictured behind a poster for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Berlin, Germany, on February 24, 2025

A billboard for Gerrmany's conseratives featuring likely next Chancellor Friedrich Merz is pictured behind a poster for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Berlin, Germany, on February 24, 2025

Germany: Far-right AfD draws level with conservatives — poll

Germany's center-right parties and the far-right AfD are now polling neck and neck, the latest INSA survey showed.

Teaser Berlin Briefing NEU

Teaser Berlin Briefing NEU

Merz's migration gamble

Can Germany’s next government deliver on tougher migration policies, or will compromises dilute the vision?

A view of the Town Hall Bernau, in Germany.

A view of the Town Hall Bernau, in Germany.

Visiting an eastern German town that backs the far-right AfD

DW correspondent Matthew Moore went to Bernau near Berlin to find out out why one in three people voted for the AfD.

Friedrich Merz

Friedrich Merz

Germany: Far-right AfD rises in the polls

Likely future Chancellor Friedrich Merz is losing support. The far right is gaining traction.

(From L to R) Markus Söder, Friedrich Merz, Lars Klingbeil and Saskia Esken during a press conference on March 28

(From L to R) Markus Söder, Friedrich Merz, Lars Klingbeil and Saskia Esken during a press conference on March 28

Germany's development aid on the chopping block?

Negotiators trying to shape Germany's next government are aiming to deliver for voters — and find ways to save money.

A view of a collapsed bridge in Dresden

A view of a collapsed bridge in Dresden

Germany's billions in funds not enough to fix infrastructure

A bridge collapse served as a wake-up call for Germany. But cutting red tape needs to come before planned investments.

Made | Infrasturktur

Made | Infrasturktur

Germany's ailing infrastructure — in need of renovation

Germany’s aging infrastructure is dragging down its economy. Can the next government turn it around?

A general view of hundreds of parliamentarians attending the inaugural session of Germany's new Bundestag

A general view of hundreds of parliamentarians attending the inaugural session of Germany's new Bundestag

Germany's new parliament holds first session

The new Bundestag includes the largest number of far-right lawmakers since World War II.

Friedrich Merz and Lars Klingbeil sitting in the Bundestag

Friedrich Merz and Lars Klingbeil sitting in the Bundestag

Germany: Government talks hit snags

The CDU/CSU and SPD negotiations are making slow progress. Immigration and taxes are the main sticking points.

Bundestag - Sondersitzung zur Grundgesetzänderung

Bundestag - Sondersitzung zur Grundgesetzänderung

How will Germany's far-right AfD affect the new parliament?

The far-right Alternative for Germany are now the second biggest force in the new German parliament, the Bundestag.

Friedrich Merz (left) and Lars Klingbeil (right) talking during a press conference in Berlin on March 4, 2025

Friedrich Merz (left) and Lars Klingbeil (right) talking during a press conference in Berlin on March 4, 2025

Germany: CDU, SPD present first results of coalition talks

The center-right and center-left parties will announce the timing for their next phase of talks this week.

Gregor Gysi during a speech in the Bundestag in 2023

Gregor Gysi during a speech in the Bundestag in 2023

Germany: Left Party's Gregor Gysi in the Bundestag spotlight

The 77-year-old leftist icon will open the new Bundestag, free to decide on the content and length of his speech.

seats being removed from the plenary chamber

seats being removed from the plenary chamber

Germany's new parliament has a diversity problem

Germany's newly elected Bundestag will have 630 MPs — mainly older white men. How truly representative will it be?

View of an Ukrainian soldier standing in front of a Leopard 2 tank in a forest area

View of an Ukrainian soldier standing in front of a Leopard 2 tank in a forest area

Germany to send fresh military aid to Ukraine

A decision to ease German debt rules allows the country to provide billions in military support for Ukraine.

"DW News" Sendungslogo (Composite)

"DW News" Sendungslogo (Composite)

What will Germany invest in with the spending brakes off?

A historic measure will now allow Germany to borrow more money for infrastructure and defense.

A view of two French Rafale fighter jets on an aircraft carrier

A view of two French Rafale fighter jets on an aircraft carrier

Germany rethinks future of nuclear security

With the future of the US nuclear umbrella for Germany in doubt, the country is considering a plan B.

A view of CDU leader Friedrich Merz casting his vote following an extraordinary session of the Bundestag

A view of CDU leader Friedrich Merz casting his vote following an extraordinary session of the Bundestag

German lawmakers approve easing 'debt brake'

The legislation allows massive new spending on defense, civilian infrastructure and climate programs.

Members of parliament have gathered for a plenary session in the German Bundestag.

Members of parliament have gathered for a plenary session in the German Bundestag.

German lawmakers set for historic vote on debt rules

The measure needs support from 2/3 of Bundestag lawmakers, meaning the likely coalition is not enough. What's at stake?

Friedrich Merz standing amid lawmakers

Friedrich Merz standing amid lawmakers

€1 trillion impact: What easing debt brake means for Germany

Germany wants to invest hundreds of billions of additional euros in national defense and its infrastructure.

Merz speaks at the Bundestag on March 13, 2025

Merz speaks at the Bundestag on March 13, 2025

Germany faces cuts along with financial package, Merz says

The likely chancellor said cost-cutting must be discussed during coalition talks with the center-left Social Democrats.

CDU leader Friedrich Merz stands in a crowd following discussions over the debt deal package

CDU leader Friedrich Merz stands in a crowd following discussions over the debt deal package

Germany: Parties agree on historic debt deal

The CDU/CSU bloc and the SPD have reached an agreement with the Greens on a massive increase in government borrowing.

Teaser Berlin Briefing NEU

Teaser Berlin Briefing NEU

Can Friedrich Merz really save Europe?

How will his ambition to turn Germany from a “hesitant” to a “leading middle power” really be felt in Europe?

Deutschland Aufräumarbeiten an der Carolabrücke in Dresden

Deutschland Aufräumarbeiten an der Carolabrücke in Dresden

Will Germany's trillion-euro debt gamble pay off?

Germany plans to spend close to a trillion euros in infrastructure and defense. Will it fuel growth or burden taxpayers?

DW Sendung To The Point | 13.03.25

DW Sendung To The Point | 13.03.25

Germany gears up: Tackling the crisis with debt

More debt to strengthen Germany and Europe amid new crises and threats?

Klingbeil, Merz, Esken and Söder walking towards waiting press

Klingbeil, Merz, Esken and Söder walking towards waiting press

German lawmakers to debate massive spending deal

Lawmakers in Germany are debating plans to massively reform restrictive borrowing rules.