President Donald Trump celebrated on Sunday after German conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz claimed victory in a national election, defeating Social Democrat incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

“LOOKS LIKE THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY IN GERMANY HAS WON THE VERY BIG AND HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ELECTION,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. “MUCH LIKE THE USA, THE PEOPLE OF GERMANY GOT TIRED OF THE NO COMMON SENSE AGENDA, ESPECIALLY ON ENERGY AND IMMIGRATION, THAT HAS PREVAILED FOR SO MANY YEARS.

LOOKS LIKE THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY IN GERMANY HAS WON THE VERY BIG AND HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ELECTION. MUCH LIKE THE USA, THE PEOPLE OF GERMANY GOT TIRED OF THE NO COMMON SENSE AGENDA, ESPECIALLY ON ENERGY AND IMMIGRATION, THAT HAS PREVAILED FOR SO MANY YEARS. THIS IS A GREAT DAY…

— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) February 23, 2025

“THIS IS A GREAT DAY FOR GERMANY, AND FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF A GENTLEMAN NAMED DONALD J. TRUMP,” he added. “CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL — MANY MORE VICTORIES TO FOLLOW!!!”

Germany’s center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) won Sunday’s national election, with the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) finishing second, according to exit polls.

The snap election took place as Germany faces challenges related to illegal immigration and economic decline. CDU leader Merz has pledged to take a stricter stance on immigration than Scholz, though his policies are not as extreme as those advocated by AfD.

Merz’s party secured approximately 29% of the vote and will need to form a coalition with other parties. However, Merz has stated he will not include AfD in any governing alliance.

Merz has outlined a 15-point plan focused on immigration, including increased border controls and the deportation of rejected asylum seekers. AfD, which has called for mass deportations, will likely remain outside the coalition but saw its vote total double compared to the last election.

Endorsed by Trump and Elon Musk, and led by Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, AfD believes it has gained momentum for the next election, expected in 2029.