The German conservatives, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Bavarian party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), emerged victorious in the national election held on February 23, 2025, securing around 28.5-29% of the vote according to exit polls and early projections. This outcome positions CDU leader Friedrich Merz as the likely next chancellor, though the party fell short of a strong majority, necessitating coalition negotiations.
Impact on Migration
The CDU/CSU campaigned on a platform that emphasized stricter migration controls, reflecting a shift to the right on this issue compared to the era of former SPD Chancellor Angela Merkel, who pursued a more open policy during the 2015 Syrian refugee crisis.
Under Merz’s leadership, the conservatives have notably proposed measures of enhanced border security, faster asylum processing, and deportations for those without legal grounds to stay. They have also advocated for reforming European asylum laws to process applications in safe third countries outside the EU, limiting social benefits for those ordered to leave, and tightening naturalization rules.
Migration has become a pivotal issue in Germany and a broader debate about “integration and security”. The conservatives’ victory suggests a mandate to address these questions, and their policies could lead to a significant reduction in irregular migration and a tougher stance on asylum approvals.
For its part, the far-right AfD achieved an extremely high result, securing around 19.5-20.8% of the vote and finishing second, A surge that underscores growing support for its anti-immigration, nationalist platform.
But, Friedrich Merz and the CDU/CSU leadership have explicitly ruled out any coalition with the AfD at the federal level.. This position was reaffirmed during the campaign and after the election results, with Merz emphasizing a government that represents the whole country while distancing himself from the far right.
The CDU/CSU’s win could lead to stricter migration policies tempered by coalition compromises.
