Germany Decides Its Future in the Most Decisive Elections in Its History

Today Germany will hold federal elections to determine the composition of the Bundestag and elect the next chancellor. These elections are crucial as the new government will need to address economic challenges and combat illegal immigration.

Main Candidates for Chancellor

Friedrich Merz (CDU/CSU): Leader of the Christian Democratic Union-Christian Social Union. His campaign focuses on conservative policies and Germany's economic recovery.

Olaf Scholz (SPD): Current chancellor and leader of the Social Democratic Party, Scholz seeks reelection. However, his popularity has decreased due to political instability and conflicts within his governing coalition.

Alice Weidel (AfD): Candidate for Alternative for Germany, Weidel is the first woman to lead this new right-wing party. Her campaign has focused on anti-immigration policies, which has increased her support in conservative sectors. She is reportedly the favorite in the polls to become chancellor.

The 2025 elections are taking place in a climate of political instability marked by foreign interference, violence and distrust in the political system. The rise of AfD has influenced political discourse, focusing the debate on issues such as immigration, economy and security.

The formation of coalitions will be essential as no party would obtain an absolute majority. It is anticipated that Merz could form a coalition with SPD or with the Greens as junior partners. However, the refusal of traditional parties to collaborate with AfD complicates the political landscape.

The electoral campaign has been marked by attempts of foreign interference and the spread of misinformation, especially on social media. These actions aim to influence public opinion and destabilize the German democratic process.

The elections are expected to result in a reconfiguration of the German political landscape. AfD's performance and its possible position as the second political force could redefine alliances and strategies of traditional parties. Forming a stable coalition will be crucial to address the economic and social challenges Germany currently faces.

Polls Reveal AfD Has Experienced a Significant Increase in Support

The Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) coalition leads the polls followed by Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD).

CDU/CSU, under Friedrich Merz's leadership, is projected with 30% of the vote intention. AfD, led by Alice Weidel, has experienced a significant increase reaching approximately 20%, doubling its support compared to previous elections.

SPD, headed by current chancellor Olaf Scholz, is in third place with 16% of the vote intention. This decline is attributed to the dissolution of the governing coalition known as 'the traffic light government'. This is due to the loss of a vote of confidence and the departure of the Liberal Party in November 2024.

AfD has gained ground especially in eastern Germany where it has established itself as the main political force. This growth has been driven by its nationalist rhetoric and the support of international figures like Elon Musk who has expressed his backing for the party.

CDU/CSU, although leading the polls, faces challenges in forming a majority coalition. The need for alliances with other parties such as SPD or the Greens could complicate the formation of a stable government.

The German economy is going through a delicate moment recording its second consecutive year of recession in 2024. This economic context influences electoral decisions as voters seek solutions to the country's economic and social problems.

The issue of "zero debt" is a central topic in the electoral campaign. CDU/CSU proposes to relax fiscal restrictions to allow greater investments in infrastructure and defense while SPD advocates for maintaining fiscal discipline.

AfD, meanwhile, has included in its electoral program proposals such as remigration and holding referendums for key political decisions.

As the election date approaches political and economic uncertainty in Germany increases.