Germany Set for Pivotal Election with Global Implications

Germans head to the polls in a high-stakes election closely watched by Europe and the US, as the outcome could shape international policies and alliances. 

On Sunday, Germans will head to the polls following a vigorous election campaign that has been heavily influenced by concerns over their country’s struggling economy and a series of deadly attacks. These events have elevated migration and security as central issues in the political discourse.

Friedrich Merz, the 69-year-old leader of Germany’s conservatives, is currently the frontrunner to become the next chancellor. This election is being closely monitored in both Europe and the United States.

He pledges to resolve the majority of issues within four years—a challenging task for Europe’s largest economy, given its aging infrastructure.

If Merz’s Christian Democrats (CDU) secure a victory, he will have to form a coalition with at least one other party. The most probable partner would be Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats, whose government fell apart late last year.

Promotion

On the eve of the vote, Merz firmly stated that there would be no agreement with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is set to become the second largest political force, surpassing Scholz’s center-left party.

Approximately 59.2 million Germans have the right to vote, and although millions have already voted by mail, polls suggest that up to 20% were still undecided before election day.

The polls will be open from 08:00 (07:00 GMT) to 18:00, and we can expect a clear idea of the results by the evening.

Energized by this crucial election, voters remained engaged as campaigning persisted through Saturday evening, culminating in a final national TV debate—the ninth one held this month.

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This is a pivotal moment for Germany, requiring significant decisions both domestically and on the international stage.

Merz assures robust leadership in Europe, yet Berlin faces mounting pressure to increase military spending.

As Ukraine’s second-largest military aid provider, Germany’s upcoming government will have to contend with a U.S. president who has labeled President Volodymyr Zelensky as a dictator and disrupted the West’s unified stance against Russia.

German political leaders have been taken aback by US Vice-President JD Vance, who has met with Alice Weidel, the AfD’s candidate for chancellor. He has advocated for breaking the long-standing taboo against engaging in talks with far-right groups.

In Germany, this taboo is referred to as a firewall or brandmauer.

Merz faced allegations of violating it last month by utilizing their parliamentary support. On Saturday, multiple German cities witnessed protests opposing the far-right.