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.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that a draft memorandum with the U.S. covers issues including Iran’s nuclear programme, reopening the Strait ...
U.S. and Pakistani leaders forecast a Sunday signing of a long-elusive framework agreement to end fighting between the United States and Iran, as Reut...
Australia put on a defensive masterclass as they beat Türkiye 2-0 in Vancouver in the final opening Group D match....
Romania's centrist President Nicușor Dan on Sunday designated Adrian Veștea, a member of the liberal party, as prime minister, after independent can...
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Georgia to implement reforms to tackle youth unemployment. Nearly 30 per cent of people aged 15-24 ar...
Germany's conservatives, led by Friedrich Merz, won the national election, positioning him to become the next chancellor. The far-right AfD secured its best-ever result, while coalition talks face challenges over migration and dealing with the AfD in the context of Germany's history.
Berlin, February 21, 2025 – German citizens will head to the polls on Sunday, February 23, for a snap general election after the coalition government collapsed late last year.
Berlin, Germany, February 17, 2025 – X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, is contesting a Berlin court order issued on February 7 that mandates immediate access to public platform data for two civil society organizations.
Berlin, February 17, 2025 - German voters head to the polls on February 23 to decide who will lead the country’s next government in a snap election triggered by the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s centre-left coalition.
Pakistan has warned that any attempt by India to block or significantly reduce river flows under the Indus Waters Treaty could have “far-reaching consequences”, after India's water minister said New Delhi was working to ensure that “not a single drop” of water reaches Pakistan in the coming years.
SpaceX made a historic entrance into the Nasdaq on Friday, surging over 20% in its first day of trading and lifting its valuation to more than $2 trillion. Investors flocked to the world’s largest IPO, betting on Elon Musk’s sprawling empire spanning rockets, AI and beyond.
Armenia has every right to choose Europe. But Europe’s support for Armenia’s direction should not become automatic approval of its political process.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday in a post on social media, despite Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying no deal would be approved this weekend.
Japan’s birth rate and fertility levels have fallen to their lowest levels on record, highlighting the country’s worsening demographic crisis as fewer people marry and have children.
In the runup to the G7 summit, hosted by France in Évian-les-Bains on Monday, 15 June, China has addressed global economic balances in a videoconference hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. It is a rarity for Beijing to engage directly with the group.
Romania's centrist President Nicușor Dan on Sunday designated Adrian Veștea, a member of the liberal party, as prime minister, after independent candidate Eugen Tomac withdrew.
North Korea said on Sunday, 14 June, that denuclearisation is a matter that is irreversibly terminated, in a condemnation of recent nuclear deterrence talks between the U.S. and South Korea.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to publish the UK government's long-awaited Defence Investment Plan ahead of next month's NATO summit in Ankara, following growing pressure over the UK's military spending commitments.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says British armed forces intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker early on Sunday, as it attempted to pass through the English Channel.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment