Germany’s 2025 election has marked a turning point in the country’s political landscape, with the conservative bloc led by Friedrich Merz securing victory. The election has also witnessed a historic surge in support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), deepening concerns among migrant communities and reshaping the nation's political discourse.

For Mohammad Azmouz, a Syrian barber living in Berlin, casting his first vote at the age of 57 was an unforgettable experience. However, the rise of the anti-immigration AfD has left him feeling uneasy about his future in Germany. "Why this hatred? We work and established ourselves. We are not a burden on society," he said.

Germany’s asylum policy was a major issue in the election, leading the conservative CDU/CSU to victory, with the AfD securing second place. Economic struggles and an increasingly hostile atmosphere pushed many migrants to support the far-left Die Linke party, which campaigned for social justice and assistance for low-income households.

Some migrants, however, supported stricter immigration policies. Mohammed, a Jordanian barber who is not a voting citizen, viewed AfD's rise as an opportunity for change, advocating for tougher measures against violent offenders and restrictions on family reunification for refugees. "If there were an AfD party in my country, I would vote for it," he stated.

Historically, the Social Democrats (SPD) were the preferred party among migrants, but their support dwindled in this election. Alaa Eddin Mhanna, a Syrian plant operator, who had voted for the SPD in 2021, cited the party’s pro-Ukraine stance as a reason for switching allegiance. "No party truly represents me," he said, attributing the AfD’s success to economic struggles.

Friedrich Merz, Germany’s incoming chancellor, wasted no time in addressing the broader implications of his party's victory. He expressed concern over the shifting transatlantic alliance and called for Europe to bolster its defense capabilities.

Declaring that the United States is indifferent to Europe's security, Merz questioned the future of NATO and emphasized the need for European self-reliance. "My absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe so that we can truly achieve independence from the USA," he stated.

Merz also acknowledged the growing geopolitical threats from both Russia and the potential instability in U.S. foreign policy under Donald Trump. He suggested that Germany might need to work with France and the UK to create a European nuclear deterrent, a proposal that, while controversial, reflects Germany's rising insecurity.

The election results highlighted a dramatic shift in Germany’s political balance. AfD doubled its support in four years, reaching 20.8% and expanding its influence beyond its traditional stronghold in the east. Despite this, the party remains isolated from governance due to the established "firewall" that prevents mainstream parties from cooperating with it.

The SPD suffered its worst electoral defeat in decades, securing just 16.4% of the vote. This decline led to the resignation of key political figures, including outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz, FDP leader Christian Lindner, and Green Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck.

The election saw the highest voter turnout in nearly 40 years, reaching 82.5%. The heightened participation reflected deep concerns over the economy, migration, and security.

Germany’s younger generation played a significant role in the election’s outcome. Die Linke made an unexpected comeback, largely driven by a viral social media campaign led by Heidi Reichinnek, whose speech defending democracy against the AfD attracted millions of views on TikTok. This helped the party secure just under 9% of the vote.

Meanwhile, the AfD also found strong support among young voters, with 21% of those aged 18-24 backing the party. Alice Weidel, the AfD leader, became a dominant figure on social media, attracting nearly one million followers.

For older voters, the Christian Democrats remained the preferred choice, with a stronger appeal among men than women.

Despite his victory, Merz faces significant hurdles in forming a government and implementing his policies. Germany’s economy remains sluggish, and funding his ambitious plans for security and defense will require coalition support. Additionally, his firm stance on European autonomy may face resistance from key allies like the UK and France.