

Germany at the polls
Feb 24, 2025
Chris Cermak, Monocle senior news editor, provides sharp analysis on the recent German elections and the challenges of coalition politics. Yossi Mekkelberg sheds light on Syria's uncertain future and its geopolitical repercussions, especially regarding Ukraine. Thomas Lewis celebrates the 60th anniversary of Canada’s beloved flag, exploring its evolving role in national identity. Lastly, Fiona Wilson highlights Japan’s quirky Stationery Awards, contributing cultural insights from across the globe.
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German Election Results
- Germany's snap election saw the Christian Democrats (CDU) win the most votes, with Friedrich Merz likely to be chancellor.
- The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) secured second place, while the Social Democrats (SPD) came in third.
CDU Victory Party Atmosphere
- Chris Cermak attended the CDU's election victory party, describing the atmosphere as happy, though perhaps not as euphoric as expected.
- The CDU achieved a good result but fell short of their target, raising questions about their performance.
Coalition Government Performance
- The SPD's third-place finish marks their worst election result in history.
- The poor performance of the current coalition government parties indicates public dissatisfaction, likely contributing to the CDU and AfD's gains.