- Germany’s snap election scheduled for February 23, 2025.
- Conservative CDU/CSU leads polls; far-right AfD gains momentum.
- Key issues: economic downturn, migration, and security concerns.
- Friedrich Merz’s CDU scrutinized over potential AfD collaboration.
- Coalition formation challenges anticipated post-election.
Germany is poised for a critical snap election on February 23, 2025, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government in late 2024. The election’s outcome is expected to reshape the nation’s political landscape and influence its role within Europe.
Current opinion polls position the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), at the forefront with approximately 29% support. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) trails in second place with around 21%, while the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens vie for third.
Germany’s Economic Challenges and Political Debates
Germany’s economy is struggling with stagnation and bureaucratic inefficiencies. To boost growth, the CDU/CSU suggests reducing red tape, lowering energy prices, and cutting corporate taxes to 25%. However, critics question how they will fund these initiatives. This has sparked debates about the plan’s feasibility and long-term impact on the economy.
A key issue in this debate is the “debt brake,” which limits annual borrowing to 0.35% of GDP. This rule aims to maintain fiscal discipline. But critics argue it restricts vital investments, especially during economic slowdowns. As a result, discussions about easing this policy have grown louder. This could significantly affect public spending and economic recovery.
Migration is another heated topic, fueled by recent violent incidents involving immigrants. The AfD’s anti-immigration stance has gained traction among voters, boosting its popularity. In response, the CDU/CSU has also called for stricter migration controls and asylum law reforms. They hope these changes will ease public concerns about security.
In January 2025, Friedrich Merz presented a “Five-Point Plan” that includes permanent border controls and detaining individuals without legal status. The Bundestag passed this plan with backing from the AfD. This decision sparked debates about potential alliances between mainstream conservatives and the far right, raising questions about Germany’s political landscape.
Merz Faces Backlash Over AfD Cooperation
Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU, is under fire for his party’s perceived cooperation with the AfD. A parliamentary motion on migration policy, backed by both the CDU and AfD, sparked protests across Germany. Many demonstrators accused Merz of breaking the post-war consensus against working with far-right parties.
The AfD, led by Alice Weidel, effectively uses social media, especially TikTok, to reach young voters. Weidel has about 870,000 followers, boosting her party’s influence. This growing online presence has helped the AfD expand its reach significantly.
Forming a stable government after the election could be difficult. Mainstream parties refuse to form coalitions with the AfD. Potential alliances, like a CDU/CSU partnership with the SPD or the Greens, might face internal conflicts over environmental policy and economic reforms.