Germany's Pivotal Election; A Shift to the Far-Right?
Germany is heading into a pivotal national election on Sunday, with opinion polls indicating a significant political shift. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is poised to make history, potentially becoming the country’s second-largest political force—a first for a far-right party since World War II. The AfD, led by Alice Weidel, has gained traction with its anti-immigration platform, polling around 20% nationally. The party’s rise has been fueled by public concerns over immigration and security, particularly following a series of high-profile attacks linked to asylum seekers.
The conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Friedrich Merz, remains the frontrunner, with polls showing it at 29%. Merz has campaigned on a platform of stricter immigration policies and a stronger leadership role for Germany in Europe. However, his recent attempt to pass migration legislation with AfD support sparked protests and criticism, though he has since clarified that working with the AfD is “not an option.”
Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) is struggling, polling at just 15%. Scholz’s coalition government, which includes the Greens and the Free Democrats (FDP), has been plagued by internal conflicts and declining public support. The Greens, polling at 13%, are expected to play a key role in coalition negotiations, though no single party is likely to secure a majority.
The election comes at a critical time for Germany, with the economy in recession and growing geopolitical uncertainty. Coalition talks are expected to be lengthy and complex, as all mainstream parties have ruled out working with the AfD. The outcome of the election will shape Germany’s future direction, both domestically and within the European Union.
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