The conservative opposition led by Friedrich Merz achieved a lackluster victory in Germany’s election on Sunday, while the far-right Alternative for Germany doubled its support, securing their strongest showing since World War II, according to projections.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz admitted defeat for his center-left Social Democrats after a result he called “bitter.” Projections indicated that his party would finish third.

Merz aims to form a coalition government by Easter but faces challenges in doing so.

A discontented nation

Held seven months earlier than planned, the election followed Scholz’s unpopular coalition’s collapse in November, exacerbating discontent.

Fears about economic stagnation and migration pressures were key campaign issues, further complicated by global uncertainty concerning Ukraine and Europe’s ties with the U.S.

As the most populous nation in the EU and a significant NATO member, Germany plays a crucial role in shaping the continent’s future.

Read More: The German Elections Could Transform the EU

Projections, based on exit polls and partial counting, showed that Merz’s Union bloc received around 28.5% and the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany, or AfD, received around 20.5% — nearly double its 2021 result.

Scholz’s Social Democrats were at just over 16%, below their previous post-war low, and the environmentalist Greens were on about 12%.

The hard-left Left Party improved its position, possibly securing up to 9% of the vote. The pro-business Free Democrats were at risk of losing their parliamentary seats, while the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance hovered near the 5% threshold needed to secure seats.

A difficult task for the winner

Whether Merz can form a majority coalition with Scholz’s Social Democrats, or needs a secondary partner like the Greens, will depend on whether the BSW crosses the 5% threshold. Merz said, “The most important thing is to reestablish a viable government in Germany as quickly as possible.”