- German voters will decide their next government on February 23.
- Economic revival and immigration reforms top issues in the snap election.
- Friedrich Merz leads CDU, aiming to become Germany’s next chancellor.
- Alternative for Germany (AfD) gains support, but faces controversy.
- Coalition talks will determine the next government’s shape and leadership.
On February 23, German voters will cast their ballots in a snap election to choose their next government. This follows the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s centre-left coalition late last year. Voters will elect the members of the Bundestag, Germany’s parliament, which will then decide the country’s future leadership.
The main issues in this election are economic revival and immigration reform. Germany, Europe’s largest economy, has faced two years of economic contraction. High energy prices and fierce competition from China have made it harder for businesses to thrive, and the next government will have to address these challenges.
Another critical issue is immigration reform. Deadly attacks in cities like Mannheim, Solingen, and Aschaffenburg have sparked debates over asylum rules. These incidents have boosted support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has called for stricter immigration policies.
Friedrich Merz: The CDU’s Pro-Business, Conservative Candidate
Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is the frontrunner in the race for chancellor. The CDU is currently polling up to 10 points ahead of its rivals. Merz, a 69-year-old pro-business social conservative, has long been a key figure in German politics, though his political career took a backseat after being eclipsed by former Chancellor Angela Merkel.
After two failed attempts to lead the CDU, Merz finally assumed leadership in 2021. His party is running under the slogan “A Germany we can be proud of again,” with promises to reduce taxes, cut €50 billion in welfare spending, and boost Germany’s economic revival. Merz also pledges to bolster aid for Ukraine.
However, his controversial attempt to tighten immigration rules by relying on votes from the AfD sparked backlash, even from within his own party. Former Chancellor Angela Merkel criticized him for aligning with the far-right party, and his stance on immigration has led to significant protests.
Olaf Scholz: A Divided Legacy as Chancellor
Olaf Scholz has served as chancellor for more than three years. He has presided over a coalition government that has faced various challenges, including economic difficulties due to the war in Ukraine. Despite Scholz’s efforts to bolster Germany’s defense and military spending, his government has been criticized for acting too slowly in response to these challenges.
The government also faced internal conflict, particularly over Scholz’s handling of Germany’s debt rules. His failure to resolve tensions within his coalition contributed to the collapse of the government late last year. Although his party, the Social Democrats (SPD), may consider a coalition with Merz, many members are skeptical of his leadership and its policies.
Alice Weidel and the Rise of the AfD
Alice Weidel, the 46-year-old leader of the far-right AfD, has emerged as a key figure in this election. While her chances of becoming chancellor are slim, her party has gained significant popularity, particularly among younger voters on platforms like TikTok. The AfD has benefited from rising concerns over immigration and asylum policies, which have resonated with many voters who feel Germany’s immigration system is broken.
Weidel has been a vocal advocate for mass deportation and “remigration.” She has also called for an end to sanctions on Russia, aligning her party with the Kremlin’s stance on the war in Ukraine. Despite her popularity, Weidel’s party remains controversial due to its extreme right-wing views, making it unlikely that the AfD will join any coalition government.
Robert Habeck and the Greens
Robert Habeck, leader of the Green Party and Germany’s vice-chancellor and economy minister, played a critical role in the Scholz government. The Greens have advocated for aggressive climate policies, including a phase-out of fossil-fuel heating systems. However, these policies have faced criticism and led to a decline in government popularity.
Despite these challenges, Habeck remains an influential figure, particularly on foreign policy issues. He has been outspoken in his support for Ukraine and has criticized Merz for his ties to the AfD. While the Greens have a complex relationship with the CDU, they could still play a role in the next government, depending on coalition negotiations.
What to Expect
Germany’s snap election on February 23 is set to shape the future of the country. With no single party likely to win a majority, coalition talks will play a key role in determining the next government. The CDU, led by Merz, is expected to win the most seats. However, Merz has ruled out a coalition with the AfD, narrowing his options for potential partners.
A coalition between the CDU and SPD, or CDU and the Greens, seems most likely. But tensions between Merz and these parties could complicate negotiations. A “grand coalition,” like the ones in the past, is still a possibility. Yet, internal divisions within the SPD could make it harder for them to work with Merz.
In Germany, citizens aged 18 and over are eligible to vote in the Bundestag elections. Voters cast two votes: one for a direct candidate and one for a party list. Parties with at least 5% of the vote can enter the Bundestag, while smaller parties can win seats by securing three constituencies. The Bundestag will have 630 seats, down from 733.
The upcoming election will be crucial for Germany’s direction. With key issues like economic recovery and immigration reform on the table, the outcome will impact the country’s future. Leaders like Merz, Scholz, Weidel, and Habeck each bring their own visions. Coalition talks after the election will determine which parties can form the next government.