German “People’s Parties” Decline: Analysis of Bundestag and Landtag Elections in 2021–2023

For the whole existence of the Federal Republic of Germany, it has been governed mainly by coalitions led by two so-called “people’s parties”. All German chancellors also have been members of either one of these parties. But now “people’s parties”—Great Union: Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) and Social-Democratic Party of Germany (SPD)—are experiencing a huge decline in their popularity. They are losing their positions on federal and on land levels, what is considered to be the “dawn of the German political old-timers”. CDU/CSU and SPD are expected to lose even more votes in the upcoming elections due to their inconsistent policies and decisions. As the chapter shows “people’s parties” start to lose public support. For one to understand the level of “people’s parties” public support one can analyze election results—as the elections are the presentation of the public will and support. This chapter is devoted to the analysis of electoral statistical data of the last elections carried after the new Bundestag formation in 2021 until the last elections of 2023. Points were taken about position of both parties in Landtag elections and the percentage swing. The study focuses on changes of seats and representation of “people’s parties” in parliaments. Considering this, conclusions were drawn about future prospects of these parties and their future role in German political life. Assumptions were made about the coming changes on the German political arena and possible chancellor candidates for the 2025 Bundestag election.