Germans are casting their votes today in a snap election that will determine the country’s next federal government after the collapse of the three-party coalition late last year.
The election marks a significant moment in Germany’s political landscape, with major shifts expected in the balance of power.
Friedrich Merz, the 69-year-old leader of the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is the frontrunner to become Germany’s next chancellor.
His party has capitalised on the growing dissatisfaction with the previous coalition government, positioning itself as a stabilising force amid economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
One of the most striking developments in this election is the surge of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is projected to become the second-largest political force in the country.
This would place the AfD ahead of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), which has seen a significant decline in support. The AfD’s rise has been fuelled by voter concerns over immigration, energy prices, and the country’s economic outlook.
Approximately 59.2 million Germans are eligible to vote in this crucial election. While millions have already cast their ballots via postal voting, polling data suggests that as many as 20% of voters remained undecided heading into the election day.
This last-minute uncertainty could play a crucial role in shaping the final outcome.
According to BBC’s Paul Kirby, the election represents a watershed moment for Germany, which faces critical decisions on both domestic and international fronts. As Europe’s largest economy, Germany’s stance on issues such as energy policy, defence, and its role in global affairs will have significant repercussions beyond its borders.
With voting underway, all eyes are on the results, which will determine Germany’s next leadership and set the country’s course for the coming years. The outcome is expected to reshape the political landscape, influencing not only German policies but also the broader European and international order.