Berlin — CNN
Voting started on Sunday for Germany’s general election. Polls indicate the country might see a new chancellor along with a fresh governing coalition.
German elections are usually routine, but this campaign has been different. Events over the past months have stirred things up.
Last November, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) unexpectedly dismissed his finance minister. Shortly after that, he suffered a vote of no confidence, leading to early elections.
Elon Musk entered the fray, expressing support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). This move ignited a national conversation about Germany’s history and politics. Scholz denounced Musk’s endorsement, calling it “disgusting.”
The AfD is expected to make a significant impact, potentially becoming the second-largest party. This would be the first time a far-right party has held such a position since the Nazi era.
Two main issues have dominated the election: managing immigration and stabilizing the economy.
The Candidates for Chancellor
Friedrich Merz leads the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), formerly headed by Angela Merkel. Currently, he enjoys solid support, polling above 30%. The CDU plans a tougher approach to immigration compared to Merkel’s more open policies.
In recent weeks, Merz has emphasized immigration in his campaigning. He faced criticism for appearing to align with the AfD, despite declaring he would not cooperate with them. Merz has a long career in politics, having served in the European Parliament before becoming a corporate lawyer.
Alice Weidel is the AfD’s co-leader and chancellor candidate. She is firmly against immigration, advocating for a strict approach to border control and what she calls “remigration.” The AfD has gained traction, polling around 20% nationally after regional successes.
Olaf Scholz, the current chancellor from the SPD, may face significant losses in this election. Polls suggest the SPD could drop about 10 percentage points, falling behind both the AfD and possibly the Greens.
His leadership faced challenges such as coalition infighting, leading to low popularity ratings. Some rumors hint that the SPD might have preferred a new candidate before the election.
Robert Habeck of the Green Party, which polls around 13%, could also influence the next government despite not likely winning the most votes. As the current economics minister, he is focused on environmental issues while also navigating the economic landscape.
Main Issues
Immigration remains the central theme in this election, exacerbated by security concerns tied to high-profile events involving migrants. Scholz implemented border checks recently, possibly to appeal to voters shifting towards the AfD.
Next in line is the economy. Germany’s economic growth has stagnated, prompting calls for reforms. Recent reports indicate the country’s GDP shrank for two consecutive years, raising alarms among voters.
The challenges stem from several factors, including Russia’s actions in Ukraine, which forced Germany to reduce its reliance on Russian gas. Additionally, competition from China in the automotive industry adds pressure on Germany’s economy.
Upcoming elections will likely result in coalition governments, as no party can achieve a majority independently. Winners will need to partner with others to form a stable government, a process that can stretch for weeks or months.
Regardless of the election’s outcome, the AfD is unlikely to be part of any governing coalition. Typically, coalitions are named based on party colors, and the last government was known as the “traffic light” coalition, combining red (SPD), green (Greens), and yellow (FDP).
One thing is certain: Germany’s political landscape will continue to evolve after the elections, and the road ahead will be closely watched.
