Germany Swings Right

Today’s German federal election has delivered a decisive yet complex verdict, with Friedrich Merz’s center-right Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) securing a plurality of the vote at around 29%, as exit polls suggest. Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved its best-ever result, gaining approximately 20%. While reinforcing the CDU/CSU’s dominance, this outcome complicates coalition-building, as all major parties have refused to work with the AfD due to its far-right positions.

U.S.-Germany Parallels: Political Fractures and Populist Gains

Much like in the United States, Germany’s political landscape has become deeply polarized. The surge of right-wing populism, economic concerns, and debates over immigration mirror the Republican vs. Democratic divide in the U.S. The AfD’s rise is akin to the ascent of Trump-style nationalism, capitalizing on economic anxiety and anti-immigration sentiments. However, Germany’s consensus-driven parliamentary system makes it harder for populists to seize executive power, in contrast to the U.S. presidential system.

Grand Coalition: A Likely but Contentious Path Forward

Given the fractured Bundestag, a Grand Coalition (GroKo) between the CDU/CSU and the Social Democrats (SPD) is the most likely outcome. Historically, Germany has seen multiple GroKos, including under Angela Merkel. While such coalitions bring stability, they risk stifling political debate and enabling further AfD growth as the main opposition. SPD leader Olaf Scholz has ruled out a ministerial role in a CDU-led government, but the party may still enter a coalition to prevent political deadlock.

The AfD’s Isolation and the Political Firewall

Despite its strong performance, the AfD remains isolated, as mainstream parties continue to uphold the political “firewall” that prevents cooperation with the far right. This effectively excludes the AfD from governance, even as its influence in public discourse grows. However, CDU leader Merz’s recent willingness to accept AfD votes on an immigration motion has sparked controversy, raising concerns that the firewall might erode over time.

The Debt Brake Loosening: A Major Economic Shift

While the U.S. grapples with reining in its debt trajectory, Germany faces mounting pressure to loosen its fiscal restraints. At the heart of the post-election economic debate is the constitutional “debt brake,” which caps deficit spending at 0.35% of GDP. Introduced in 2009 to enforce fiscal discipline, it has increasingly become an economic straitjacket, choking off investment in infrastructure, defense, and green energy.  With stagnant growth and an estimated €600 billion investment shortfall by 2030, political momentum—now backed by former Chancellor Merkel herself—is shifting toward reform. The debate is no longer about whether the debt brake will be loosened, but how much fiscal flexibility Germany is willing to embrace.

Impact on the European Economy

Relaxing the debt brake would enable higher government spending, potentially boosting Germany’s sluggish economy and providing stimulus to the broader Eurozone​. Increased German investment in infrastructure and defense could reduce reliance on exports, making the economy more resilient against China’s manufacturing overcapacity and Trump’s potential tariffs​. However, the CDU’s fiscal conservatives may limit the extent of reform, favoring a gradual approach rather than outright abolition​.

Conclusion

Germany’s 2025 election outcome underscores political fragmentation, rising right-wing populism, and pressing economic reforms. A CDU-SPD Grand Coalition is the most probable governing scenario, while the AfD remains isolated despite its electoral gains. Meanwhile, the debate over loosening the debt brake signals a pivotal shift in German economic policy, with potential ripple effects across Europe. The challenge for Merz will be to balance fiscal responsibility, economic revitalization, and political stability—a task that will define Germany’s role in Europe and its transatlantic relations in the years ahead.