Key Takeaways:

• Friedrich Merz's conservatives claimed victory in the recent German elections, indicating a shift towards center-right governance.
• The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved its strongest postwar performance, nearly doubling its support.
• The incumbent Social Democrats suffered significant losses, registering their worst election results in modern history.
• Merz plans to focus on economic revival and stricter immigration policies while ruling out partnerships with the AfD.

In a decisive turn for Germany’s political landscape, Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) claimed victory in the national elections this past weekend, as exit polls confirmed widespread support for the conservative party amidst a backdrop of economic stagnation and rising migration concerns. This election revealed significant shifts in the electorate’s priorities and attitudes, especially concerning immigration and the far-right political movement.

The projected results indicate Merz’s CDU garnered approximately 28.5% to 29% of the votes, while the Alternative for Germany (AfD) surged to around 19.5% to 20%, marking the highest representation for a far-right party in Germany since World War II. The incumbent Social Democrats (SPD), led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, are positioned for their worst electoral outcome, polling between 16% to 16.5%.

The elections were necessitated by the early collapse of Scholz’s coalition government, following a three-year term marked by internal strife and dissatisfaction among the population. Merz emphasized the urgent responsibilities of his leadership, stating, “I am aware of the responsibility... the world isn’t waiting for long-drawn-out coalition talks and negotiations,” during his victory speech, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The election campaign focused heavily on concerns about the economy and the ongoing war in Ukraine, with Merz pledging swift action in these areas. He reaffirmed Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine, recognizing its vital position in Europe’s security framework. “If those who really do not just make ‘America First,’ but almost ‘America Alone’ their motto prevail, then it will be difficult,” he remarked about maintaining transatlantic relations, highlighting the significance of U.S. support amidst international tensions.

The AfD's candidate for chancellor, Alice Weidel, declared that the party has become the second-strongest political force in Germany, while calling for negotiations with Merz’s CDU, which he has firmly ruled out, citing the party's extremist connections. Despite the AfD’s electoral gains, leaders of mainstream parties remain committed to excluding them from any coalition scenarios based on longstanding principles against far-right affiliations.

Scholz has acknowledged the SPD’s significant electoral losses, declaring it “a historic defeat.” The electoral results also featured the environmentalist Greens with about 12% of the vote and a hard-left Left Party likely winning 8.5% to 9%.

Negotiations for coalition governance are expected to be complicated, as Merz aims for a stable framework to revitalize the German economy. With more than 84 million people eligible to vote, the political trajectory towards a predominantly conservative governance suggests a critical phase for the country’s policy-making and response to Continental as well as global challenges.

As Germany moves forward under Merz’s leadership, the success of his administration will likely depend on his ability to navigate coalitions amidst substantial public pressure and issues surrounding migration and economic policy.

For more detailed information on the election results and implications, visit CBS News.