In a notable political turn, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recognized a 'bitter' defeat after the national elections on February 23, 2025. His centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) suffered a significant loss, marking a pivotal moment in Germany's political scene.

In his speech to SPD members, Scholz characterized the election results as 'poor' and conveyed his commitment to taking responsibility for the outcome.

With the Social Democrats not meeting expectations, conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz and his party claimed victory in the elections.

This defeat could indicate a change in governance and policy direction within Germany, impacting both domestic and international agendas.