In an interview with Prof. Dr. Volker Kronenberg, political scientist at the University of Bonn, the results of the federal election are analyzed in depth. Despite the Union’s victory, which made them the strongest party, Kronenberg views the result as a "bittersweet victory." He explains that while the CDU/CSU won, their majority was less overwhelming than expected. Particularly problematic is the fact that the Union remains below 30 percent, and forming a coalition with the FDP and former traffic light parties creates a certain tension.
Kronenberg questions whether Friedrich Merz was the right candidate and whether the hoped-for political change can succeed given the difficult balance of power. He warns of the challenges Merz will face, especially in areas like migration, internal security, and the economy, where voters expect clear changes, but not extreme measures. The defeat of the SPD under Chancellor Scholz is also seen by Kronenberg as significant. Scholz was never the charismatic figure who could win the trust of the population.
The AfD is considered the clear winner in terms of gaining votes, with Kronenberg highlighting that the party has benefitted from voter disappointment over issues like migration. Also interesting is the above-average performance of the Left party, which has clearly positioned itself as an alternative to the AfD. Finally, Kronenberg explains that the high voter turnout of 83 percent is a positive sign of political engagement and underscores the strength of the parliamentary system in uncertain times.