Germany’s February 2025 federal election has been described as the most significant since the country’s reunification in 1990. The election results revealed a dramatic political transformation—one that starkly highlighted deep divisions between East and West Germany.
The center-left SPD, which had previously governed, suffered its worst defeat in German history since 1887. Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) surged to record-breaking levels, dominating the former East Germany. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), a center-right party, maintained strong support in the West.
The election map unmistakably mirrored the Cold War-era division between West Germany and East Germany, reflecting lingering political, economic, and social divides that have persisted for decades.
In this deep dive, we’ll analyze the election results, the historical context of Germany’s division, and why the Iron Curtain’s legacy still profoundly influences German politics in 2025.
The 2025 German Election: A Historic Shift
Germany’s 2025 federal election was nothing short of a political earthquake:
- The Social Democratic Party (SPD), which previously led the government, suffered an unprecedented loss, marking its worst performance since 1887.
- The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) emerged as the dominant party, particularly in Western Germany.
- The Alternative for Germany (AfD), a far-right populist party, achieved its best-ever electoral result, winning nearly 21% of the national vote—the highest share for any far-right party since the Nazi era.
- The AfD overwhelmingly won the former East Germany, securing 38% in Thuringia, 37% in Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt, and 32.5% in Brandenburg—far higher than its national average.
- The far-left BSW party also gained traction in the East, reflecting dissatisfaction with mainstream politics on both ends of the spectrum.
The election map looked eerily familiar: the AfD’s dominance in the East aligned almost perfectly with the old East Germany, while the CDU dominated the former West.
This political divide wasn’t just an election anomaly—it’s part of a broader historical pattern that has shaped Germany since the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The Iron Curtain’s Lingering Shadow: Why East and West Are Still Divided
Even 35 years after reunification, Germany is still deeply divided along the old East-West border in multiple ways:
1. Economic Disparities
Despite massive investments in the East after reunification, GDP per capita in the East remains only about 80% of the West’s level. Wages are lower, job opportunities are fewer, and East Germans work longer hours for less pay.
- Unemployment is still higher in the East than in the West.
- Corporate headquarters are overwhelmingly in West Germany, with very few major companies based in the East.
- Many Eastern regions suffer from depopulation, as young people move westward for better opportunities.
2. Political Differences
- Eastern Germany is far more likely to vote for populist parties on both the far-right (AfD) and far-left (BSW, Die Linke).
- Western Germany still largely supports established center-left (SPD) and center-right (CDU) parties.
3. Demographics and Migration Attitudes
- The East has fewer immigrants and remains more ethnically homogeneous than the West.
- Anti-refugee sentiment and anti-immigration protests have been far more common in Eastern states.
- The AfD has successfully capitalized on fears of cultural change, resonating with many Eastern voters.
4. Infrastructure and Quality of Life
- Public services, hospitals, and schools in the East have struggled due to lower tax revenues and depopulation.
- Life satisfaction rates are still lower in the East compared to the West.
Even in Berlin, the former East and West still appear distinct from space, with differences in streetlights reflecting the city’s divided history.
Why Did the AfD Surge in the East?
The AfD’s record-breaking success in Eastern Germany didn’t happen by accident. Several factors contributed to their rise:
1. Economic Discontent
Many Eastern voters feel they never fully benefited from reunification. Despite billions in government aid, Eastern Germany still lags behind economically, and many believe that Berlin’s focus on globalization and migration ignores their struggles.
2. Distrust of Establishment Parties
- The CDU and SPD, the two dominant parties in post-reunification Germany, are widely seen as “Western” parties.
- Many Easterners feel that their voices are ignored, fueling support for outsider parties like the AfD and BSW.
3. Anti-Migration Sentiment
- Compared to the West, the East has seen less immigration but more opposition to it.
- The AfD has capitalized on anti-migration sentiment, framing itself as the defender of “German identity.”
4. Nostalgia for East Germany (Ostalgie)
- Some older voters in the East feel nostalgic for the social stability of East Germany’s communist past.
- This sentiment fuels support for both far-right (AfD) and far-left (BSW, Die Linke) parties.
What Does This Mean for Germany’s Future?
The results of the 2025 election suggest that Germany’s East-West divide is here to stay—at least in the near future. The political differences reflect deeper structural inequalities that have existed for decades.
1. Will the AfD Continue to Rise?
- The AfD’s electoral success could make them a major force in German politics moving forward.
- Some analysts worry that their increasing influence could destabilize German democracy.
2. Will the East Become More Integrated?
- Bridging the economic gap between East and West remains Germany’s biggest challenge.
- Without significant investment and policy changes, political polarization could continue to grow.
3. Could This Influence Other Divided Societies?
- Germany’s struggles with reunification hold lessons for countries like Korea, where reunification could one day happen.
- Even decades after reunification, social, economic, and political divisions can persist for generations.
Conclusion: A Divided Germany, 35 Years Later
Germany’s 2025 election has exposed deep, lingering divides between East and West. More than three decades after reunification, political, economic, and social differences still mirror the old Cold War-era border.
As Germany moves forward, bridging these divides will be crucial for political stability. Otherwise, the fractures that shaped this election may only deepen in the years to come.
FAQ: Germany’s 2025 Election and the East-West Divide
📌 Why did the SPD lose so badly in this election?
The SPD faced voter dissatisfaction over economic policies, migration, and a lack of strong leadership. Their loss was the worst in their history.
📌 Why is the AfD more popular in Eastern Germany?
Economic struggles, distrust of establishment parties, anti-migration sentiment, and nostalgia for East Germany all contribute to the AfD’s success in the East.
📌 Why does the East still lag behind economically?
Decades of Soviet-era economic mismanagement, post-reunification deindustrialization, and a brain drain of young talent to the West have kept the East economically weaker.
📌 Will Germany ever fully overcome the East-West divide?
While progress has been made, economic and political differences still persist. Closing the gap may take several more generations of investment and social change.
📌 What lessons does Germany’s division hold for the world?
Germany’s struggles show that reunification is never immediate—it takes decades of effort, and even then, divisions can remain.
