By Natalia Rueda 
Berlin, Germany – In a crucial election on Sunday, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), together with its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), collectively known as “the Union,” won 30.6% of the vote. This victory puts Ursula von der Leyen, head of the European Commission and a key figure within the CDU, on a solid path to re-election. Notably, the election results have reshaped the German political landscape, elevating the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) to an unprecedented second place with 15.9% of the vote.
The elections also dealt a severe blow to the current coalition government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. His Social Democratic Party (SPD) won only 13.9% of the vote, putting it in third place. His coalition partners, the Greens and the Free Democrats (FDP), saw their support drop to 11.9% and 5.2%, respectively. The dismal performance of these parties indicates dissatisfaction among the electorate and raises doubts about the future viability of the coalition.
Alice Weidel, leader of AfD, underlined the significant gains made by her party, which now stands as the second political force nationally and the dominant party in the eastern regions, where regional elections are scheduled for September. Despite enduring political isolation and persistent scandals related to alleged Nazi ties, the AfD’s increased support (gaining five percentage points) demonstrates a growing influence that traditional parties cannot ignore.
The German election results have important implications for Europe as a whole. Germany not only has the largest number of seats in the European Parliament, but also plays a crucial role in the direction of the European Union. The strong presence of the AfD, a party known for its anti-European stance, raises concerns about the future of the EU and the rise of extremism in the region.
Von der Leyen’s position as head of the popular European list has also come under scrutiny following her ambiguous stance on far-right parties such as Italy’s Giorgia Meloni. While she has ruled out supporting France’s Marine Le Pen, her willingness to work with other far-right politicians raises questions about her commitment to EU values.
As the polls settle in Germany, one thing is clear: the rise of the AfD and its surge in popularity cannot be ignored. The mainstream parties, led by Von der Leyen and Scholz, must address the concerns of their citizens and work to promote unity and tolerance in the face of rising extremism. The future of Germany, and the EU as a whole, depends on it.
With information from El Periódico