Germany is gearing up for an important election on Sunday. The race has been intense, focusing on key issues like the economy, migration, and security. The country has faced deadly attacks, making these topics even more crucial.
Friedrich Merz, the 69-year-old leader of the Christian Democrats (CDU), is leading the charge to become the next chancellor. He has big promises—claiming he can tackle major problems within four years. But many wonder if that’s realistic given Germany’s economic challenges and aging infrastructure.
If Merz’s party wins, he will need to partner with at least one other party to form a government. The most likely ally is the Social Democrats, who recently saw their government breakdown.
As voting day approaches, Merz has made it clear he won’t work with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is expected to emerge as a major force in the election.
Approximately 59.2 million Germans can vote, and while many have already submitted postal ballots, polls suggest about 20% of voters were still undecided just before election day. Polling stations will open at 08:00 (07:00 GMT) and close at 18:00, with results expected later that evening.
This election is pivotal for Germany. The new government will have significant decisions to make, not just domestically, but also in Europe and beyond. Merz has promised decisive leadership, especially regarding military funding. Germany is currently the second-largest supplier of military aid to Ukraine, and the next government will navigate a tricky relationship with a divided West.
German leaders were recently rattled by U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s visit with the AfD and his call to challenge the long-standing taboo of engaging with far-right politics. In Germany, this taboo is referred to as a “firewall.” Merz faced criticism for allegedly abandoning this principle when he sought support from AfD members in parliament. As a result, protests against the far-right have emerged in various cities.
The AfD is gaining traction, especially among younger voters, thanks to social media platforms like TikTok. One of their campaign videos reached four million views. Their agenda includes leaving the EU, stopping climate initiatives, and mending relations with Russia.
Concerns about migration and security are heightened, especially after several recent attacks attributed to immigrants. These incidents have keep topics of safety and immigration at the forefront of discussions.
In regions where the AfD has gained popularity, especially in the industrial heartlands, many express frustration about the lack of job opportunities. Areas like Marxloh, known for their immigrant communities, are experiencing a shift in political sentiment. Young voters, feeling overlooked, are increasingly turned towards the AfD. Their frustrations highlight a demand for job training and economic support that they feel is lacking.
While the AfD may not be known for strong social policies, their focus on security resonates strongly with their supporters. Their influence continues to grow in cities that have lost their industrial base, such as Duisburg.
As the election approaches, it is clear that Merz’s CDU is leading in the polls, but several parties may struggle to meet the 5% threshold needed to enter parliament. This could simplify the coalition-building process for the more dominant parties. However, the landscape remains unpredictable, especially with the emergence of the Left party and the potential risks faced by smaller parties like the Free Democratic Party.
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