Germany will hold a snap national election on Feb. 23 following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-way coalition. Here’s an overview of the main parties, their poll standings, and key policy issues.
PARTIES
Germany's two major centrist parties are Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD) and the conservative CDU/CSU alliance. Both have seen declining support, with smaller parties like the Greens and far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) gaining ground. The SPD, CDU/CSU, Greens, and AfD are all fielding candidates for chancellor.
Other parties include the pro-market Free Democrats (FDP), the far-left Linke, and the leftist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), all of whom are polling near the 5% threshold needed to enter parliament.
POLLS
The conservatives lead with 29%, followed by the AfD at 21%. The SPD has dropped to 16%, followed by the Greens at 12%, BSW at 6%, Left at 5%, and FDP at 4% (INSA poll, Feb. 8). Analysts caution that voter preferences can shift rapidly.
WHAT ARE THE KEY ISSUES?
- Ukraine: Most mainstream parties support aiding Ukraine, but the AfD and BSW oppose weapons deliveries. The SPD has taken a more cautious stance than the CDU/CSU, Greens, and FDP, who favor sending long-range Taurus missiles to Kyiv.
- Economy: The SPD proposes a 100-billion-euro investment fund and tax incentives for businesses. The Greens and SPD want to reform the debt brake, while the CDU/CSU, AfD, and FDP oppose higher borrowing. The AfD calls for abandoning the euro in favor of the Deutsche Mark.
- Migration: Public concerns over security and immigration have grown. The CDU has hardened its stance, supporting border pushbacks and limits on family reunifications. The AfD demands closed borders and mass deportations. The SPD has tightened border controls but still advocates for skilled immigration. The Greens support open asylum policies.
- Energy: High energy costs remain a major issue. The CDU, SPD, and Greens support renewable expansion but differ on funding. The CDU and AfD advocate reconsidering nuclear power, which the SPD and Greens reject. The AfD wants to scrap CO2 pricing and revive coal power.
- Relations with Trump: Germany faces uncertainty with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has hinted at higher tariffs and less military support for Europe. The SPD has openly criticized Trump, while CDU leader Friedrich Merz stresses cooperation. The Greens urge a unified EU response. The AfD, meanwhile, has embraced Trump, with Elon Musk endorsing AfD leader Alice Weidel on social media.
With election day approaching, shifting polls and policy debates will determine Germany’s next political direction.
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