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Germany prepares for elections: On Sunday, a new Bundestag will be elected

21.02.2025 12:50
Pre-election polls in Germany indicate a victory for the CDU/CSU led by Friedrich Merz, suggesting that Olaf Scholz is likely to lose the chancellorship.
Leading candidates from Germanys major political parties participated in the final TV debate ahead of the early federal elections on February 23, 2025. The debate, hosted by broadcaster ARD in Berlin, featured representatives from the SPD, CDU, CSU, Greens, FDP, Left Party, BSW, and AfD.
Leading candidates from Germany’s major political parties participated in the final TV debate ahead of the early federal elections on February 23, 2025. The debate, hosted by broadcaster ARD in Berlin, featured representatives from the SPD, CDU, CSU, Greens, FDP, Left Party, BSW, and AfD.Photo: CHRISTIAN MARQUARDT.POOL/PAP/EPA

The far-right AfD (Alternative für Deutschland) is in second place with around 20% support, which could significantly increase its representation in the Bundestag.

Smaller parties, including the FDP, the Left, and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance, are gaining support, potentially complicating post-election coalition talks.

Germany’s election: Merz leads, Scholz at risk of losing chancellorship

Both Friedrich Merz and Olaf Scholz emphasized in a televised debate that the war in Ukraine and the future of Germany’s relationship with the U.S. are key challenges.

Another major campaign issue is migration, with parties sharply divided on tax policies and strategies to address the economic crisis.

Rising AfD support sparks fear among migrants in Germany

The upcoming German election has sparked deep concerns, with many fearing a shift toward the far right.

As The Guardian highlights, some see the rising support for nationalist rhetoric as a dangerous trend, with Samira, a 25-year-old Berlin resident, warning that migrants are essential to the country’s economy and society, asking, “Without migrants, we wouldn’t have a lot of things that we currently have … I don’t really see why we should push them out.”

Source: IAR/The Guardian/X/@EU_Made_Simple

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