2021 German federal election
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| 2021 German federal election | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Election name | 2021 German federal election |
| Country | Germany |
| Type | parliamentary |
| Previous election | 2017 German federal election |
| Previous year | 2017 |
| Next election | 2025 German federal election |
| Next year | 2025 |
| Seats for election | All 709 seats in the Bundestag |
| Majority seats | 355 |
| Turnout | 76.6% |
| Election date | 26 September 2021 |
| Nominee1 | Olaf Scholz |
| Party1 | Social Democratic Party of Germany |
| Alliance1 | SPD |
| Last election1 | 153 seats, 20.5% |
| Seats1 | 206 |
| Seat change1 | +53 |
| Popular vote1 | 11,955,434 |
| Percentage1 | 25.7% |
| Nominee2 | Armin Laschet |
| Party2 | Christian Democratic Union of Germany |
| Alliance2 | CDU/CSU |
| Last election2 | 246 seats, 32.9% |
| Seats2 | 197 |
| Seat change2 | –49 |
| Popular vote2 | 11,178,298 |
| Percentage2 | 24.1% |
| Nominee3 | Annalena Baerbock |
| Party3 | Alliance 90/The Greens |
| Alliance3 | Greens |
| Last election3 | 67 seats, 8.9% |
| Seats3 | 118 |
| Seat change3 | +51 |
| Popular vote3 | 6,852,206 |
| Percentage3 | 14.8% |
| Title | Chancellor |
| Before election | Angela Merkel |
| Before party | Christian Democratic Union of Germany |
| After election | Olaf Scholz |
| After party | Social Democratic Party of Germany |
2021 German federal election was held on 26 September 2021 to elect the members of the 20th Bundestag. It marked the end of the era of Angela Merkel, who did not seek re-election after 16 years as Chancellor of Germany. The election resulted in a historically poor performance for the Christian Democratic Union and its Bavarian sister party, while the Social Democratic Party achieved a surprise victory, leading to the formation of a novel three-party coalition.
Background
The political landscape was defined by the impending departure of Angela Merkel, who had dominated German politics since 2005. Her fourth cabinet, the Merkel IV cabinet, was a grand coalition between the CDU, CSU, and SPD. Key issues included managing the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany, addressing climate change, and modernizing the nation's digital infrastructure. The election was also influenced by international events such as the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan and growing tensions with Russia and China.
Parties and candidates
The incumbent union parties, the CDU and CSU, nominated Armin Laschet, the Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia, as their candidate for chancellor. The SPD nominated Olaf Scholz, the Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister of Finance. The Greens nominated Annalena Baerbock, their co-leader, marking the first time the party led with a sole chancellor candidate. Other significant contenders included Christian Lindner of the Free Democratic Party, Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla of the Alternative for Germany, and Dietmar Bartsch and Janine Wissler of The Left.
Campaign
The SPD campaign, centered on Olaf Scholz's experience and competence, used the slogan "Respect for You" and gained momentum after strong performances in televised debates. The CDU/CSU campaign, led by Armin Laschet, struggled with gaffes and internal divisions, particularly after Laschet was photographed laughing during a solemn visit to flood-damaged areas in the Ahr Valley. The Greens focused heavily on climate policy but faced scrutiny over plagiarism allegations in Baerbock's biography. The FDP emphasized digitalization and fiscal responsibility, while the Alternative for Germany focused on immigration and pandemic restrictions.
Opinion polling
Throughout 2021, opinion polling showed a volatile race. Initially, the CDU/CSU held a strong lead, but this eroded by spring as The Greens surged following the nomination of Annalena Baerbock. By summer, the Greens led in some polls, but support shifted to the SPD following the first televised triell debate in late August. Major polling institutes like Forschungsgruppe Wahlen, Infratest dimap, and INSA consistently showed a tight three-way race between the Union, the SPD, and the Greens in the final weeks.
Results
The SPD won a plurality with 25.7% of the vote and 206 seats, its best result since 2005. The CDU/CSU alliance suffered its worst-ever result at 24.1%, winning 197 seats. The Greens achieved their best federal result with 14.8% and 118 seats. The FDP won 11.5% and 92 seats. The Alternative for Germany received 10.3% and 83 seats, while The Left narrowly cleared the 5% threshold with 4.9%, securing 39 seats only via three direct mandates. Voter turnout was 76.6%.
Aftermath
The results initiated complex coalition negotiations. Exploratory talks led to the SPD, Greens, and FDP forming a novel "traffic light coalition" named for the parties' traditional colors. After concluding a coalition agreement, the Bundestag elected Olaf Scholz as Chancellor on 8 December 2021, succeeding Angela Merkel. His cabinet, the Scholz cabinet, included Annalena Baerbock as Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs and Christian Lindner as Finance Minister. The election also led to a record-large Bundestag with 736 members due to the complex mixed-member proportional representation system.
Category:2021 elections in Germany Category:Federal elections in Germany