Germans head to the polls in a national election expected to return Friedrich Merz’s conservatives to power while giving the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) its best-ever result, marking a significant rightward shift in Europe’s largest economy.
Germany votes on Sunday in a national election that could see a shift in the country’s leadership, with Friedrich Merz’s CDU/CSU bloc leading the polls but unlikely to secure a majority. Coalition negotiations are expected to be complex, as political divisions over migration and the role of the far-right AfD remain deep.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose coalition collapsed last November, could remain in a caretaker role for months, delaying economic policies aimed at reviving Germany’s struggling economy. Two consecutive years of contraction, along with concerns over U.S. trade policies under Donald Trump, have raised fears about Germany’s economic future.
The election takes place against a backdrop of rising voter discontent, with pessimism over living standards at its highest since the 2008 financial crisis. Public sentiment on migration has also hardened, a stark contrast to Germany’s "Refugees Welcome" stance in 2015.
The AfD, founded 12 years ago, is on track to finish in second place for the first time in a national election. The party has received unexpected support from U.S. figures, including Vice President JD Vance and billionaire Elon Musk, who have criticised European migration policies.
Despite its gains, the AfD is unlikely to enter government, as mainstream parties continue to reject cooperation. However, analysts suggest its growing influence could pave the way for a stronger showing in 2029.
Coalition talks are expected to be lengthy, with analysts predicting a renewed "grand coalition" between Merz’s conservatives and Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD), or a more complex three-way coalition if smaller parties secure enough votes to enter parliament.
EU leaders are cautiously optimistic that the elections could lead to a more stable German government capable of advancing domestic and European policies. Some also hope Merz will reform Germany’s restrictive debt brake, which critics argue has hindered public investment.
With political fragmentation on the rise, voters remain divided. "A lot of my friends are voting for the conservatives because this government didn’t work so well, and Merz’s international standing is quite good," said civil servant Mike Zeller, 26. "I just hope enough parties agree on a government so they can leave the AfD out."
A 15-year-old boy killed a fellow pupil and wounded three others in a stabbing attack at a high school in the western French city of Nantes on Thursday before he was overpowered by teachers, police said.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least twelve people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has firmly rejected claims that the Trump administration is considering lifting sanctions on Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline as part of negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
Three people were killed and 10 others injured in a major road accident involving six vehicles in Marikina City, part of the Philippine capital region, late Wednesday night.
The EU’s border agency is pushing for disciplinary action against Greece over ongoing migrant pushbacks, citing repeated human rights abuses and calling for potential infringement proceedings by the European Commission.
A 15-year-old boy killed a fellow pupil and wounded three others in a stabbing attack at a high school in the western French city of Nantes on Thursday before he was overpowered by teachers, police said.
“The EU will stand with Moldova in every step of the way until the very membership,” - stated Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission at her joint press-conference with the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu.
In a significant development for Afghanistan-Russia relations, Zamir Kabulov, Special Envoy of the Russian President, held high-level talks with Taliban officials in Kabul, signaling a further warming of ties between the two nations.
Russia and Türkiye will hold consultations on the Middle East, including Syria and Palestine, on 25th April in Istanbul, according to a Turkish Foreign Ministry source speaking to TASS.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is nearing a defence deal with the EU to reset post-Brexit ties, even as his government courts a U.S. trade deal. Talks will culminate at a May summit, aiming to boost cooperation in defence, energy, and youth mobility.
China has rolled out the world’s first 10-gigabit (10G) fixed broadband network in Xiong'an New Area, promising ultra-fast speeds and low latency through cutting-edge optical infrastructure.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least twelve people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
Severe rainfall on April 17 led to flooding and landslides in the Piedmont region, prompting a large-scale emergency response from over 400 firefighters.
A 15-year-old boy killed a fellow pupil and wounded three others in a stabbing attack at a high school in the western French city of Nantes on Thursday before he was overpowered by teachers, police said.
“The EU will stand with Moldova in every step of the way until the very membership,” - stated Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission at her joint press-conference with the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is nearing a defence deal with the EU to reset post-Brexit ties, even as his government courts a U.S. trade deal. Talks will culminate at a May summit, aiming to boost cooperation in defence, energy, and youth mobility.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has firmly rejected claims that the Trump administration is considering lifting sanctions on Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline as part of negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
UEFA has opened a new office in Istanbul to support the organization of major tournaments, including the 2026 Europa League final, 2027 Conference League final, and EURO 2032. President Ceferin praised Türkiye’s hosting record and ongoing collaboration.
A 15-year-old boy killed a fellow pupil and wounded three others in a stabbing attack at a high school in the western French city of Nantes on Thursday before he was overpowered by teachers, police said.
“The EU will stand with Moldova in every step of the way until the very membership,” - stated Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission at her joint press-conference with the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu.
In a significant development for Afghanistan-Russia relations, Zamir Kabulov, Special Envoy of the Russian President, held high-level talks with Taliban officials in Kabul, signaling a further warming of ties between the two nations.
Russia and Türkiye will hold consultations on the Middle East, including Syria and Palestine, on 25th April in Istanbul, according to a Turkish Foreign Ministry source speaking to TASS.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is nearing a defence deal with the EU to reset post-Brexit ties, even as his government courts a U.S. trade deal. Talks will culminate at a May summit, aiming to boost cooperation in defence, energy, and youth mobility.
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