The coalition of Social Democrats (SPD), Free Democrats (FDP), and Greens, which had governed Germany since 2021, collapsed in November. As a result, Germany held a snap federal election on February 23, 2025. As the EU’s largest economy and most influential member state, Germany plays a crucial role in European politics. For the Nordic countries, it is a key partner in trade and security policy. Therefore, the election’s outcome is significant not only for German citizens and the country’s economy but also for the future of the European Union, Ukraine, and Northern Europe.
KAS Nordic Countries organised a roundtable to discuss the Nordic perspectives on the outcome and the implications of the recent German elections with Dr. Viola Neu and representatives of think tanks, political partners, and German institutions in Stockholm.
The roundtable discussion began with an insightful analysis of the election campaign and results by Dr. Viola Neu, Deputy Head of Division Analysis and Consulting and Head of Department of Electoral and Social Research at KAS Berlin.
Dr. Neu’s analysis shows that the success of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) was partly due to the party’s ability to mobilize former non-voters. Voter turnout reached an unprecedented 82%, marking a historic level of participation. Her report also highlights that the success of the Left Party reflects an increasing fragmentation and polarisation. Dr. Neu also emphasized that voting preferences are largely shaped by socioeconomic opportunities. Young women in urban areas tend to support Die Linke, while young men in rural regions, particularly in eastern Germany, are more inclined toward the AfD. Dr. Neu also shared insights into interviews with AfD voters that reveal fear about the future and resentment toward perceived culprits for perceived economic difficulties. Her report concludes that political alignment is influenced by perceptions of economic and social prospects
Following Dr. Neu’s presentation, the discussion centered on how best to engage with extremist parties, particularly the AfD. The participants also shared their thoughts on the Sweden Democrats, who gained further momentum after being sidelined by other parties.
Dr. Neu stressed that there is no single correct approach to handling extremist parties. Instead, she advocated for maintaining dialogue with their voters. Addressing public frustration by investing in infrastructure and job opportunities could help reduce fears about the future and counteract the appeal of extremist movements.
Another key topic was the impact of the election results on Germany’s stance on Ukraine. The AfD has historically been pro-Putin. With shifting U.S. policy demanding greater European responsibility for supporting Ukraine, the AfD’s sympathies toward Russia could pose significant challenges for Germany’s foreign policy.
The Roundtable Program provided a valuable platform for exchanging perspectives on the future direction of German politics. The discussions highlighted the growing polarization of the electorate, the challenges of handling extremist parties, and the broader implications of the elections for Nordic countries, European stability, and Ukraine. This allowed for a deeper understanding of the far-reaching effects of Germany’s 2025 elections.
The KAS would like to thank our partner Frivärld who kindly hosted the event, providing an ideal setting for the discussion.