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Polls Open for Germany’s Crucial Elections Amidst Economic Concerns and Security Issues
Written by Paul Kirby, Europe Digital Editor based in Berlin
As Germany gears up for its pivotal elections this Sunday, the nation finds itself amidst a heated political climate influenced by economic troubles and security concerns stemming from recent violent incidents. Voters are preparing to make a significant choice that could reshape the country’s future.
Friedrich Merz, the 69-year-old conservative contender, stands at the forefront of this election, vying for the chancellorship while the world attentively observes the outcome. Merz has pledged to tackle a multitude of challenges facing Europe’s largest economy within four years, a daunting task given the nation’s aging infrastructure.
Should Merz and his Christian Democratic Union (CDU) emerge victorious, they will seek to form a coalition with another party, likely the Social Democrats led by Olaf Scholz, whose government faced collapse late last year.
On the eve of the election, Merz made it clear that he would not negotiate with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is on track to become a significant political force, potentially overshadowing Scholz’s center-left party.
Approximately 59.2 million Germans are eligible to cast their votes, and while many have already voted by mail, recent polls indicate that up to 20% remain undecided ahead of the polling day. Voting will commence at 08:00 (07:00 GMT) and conclude at 18:00, with results expected to emerge later that evening.
Eager voters have been animated by the sense of urgency surrounding this election, with campaign activities continuing late into Saturday, culminating in a national televised debate—the ninth of the month.
This election represents a critical turning point for Germany, as decision-making will impact both domestic and global contexts. Merz has positioned himself as a strong leader within Europe, even as Germany faces mounting pressure to increase military spending.
As the second-largest military aid provider to Ukraine, Germany’s future government will have to navigate complex dynamics with a US administration that has recently criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, undermining the West’s historically united stance against Russia.
Concerns have also arisen within German political spheres due to US Vice-President JD Vance meeting with AfD leader Alice Weidel and suggesting a potential end to the long-standing taboo of engaging with far-right parties. In Germany, this ban against such engagement is referred to as a “firewall.”
Merz was recently criticized for allegedly crossing this line by accepting support from AfD members in parliament. On the last Saturday prior to the election, several German cities witnessed protests against the rising far-right sentiment.
Currently, the AfD holds a growing presence in eastern Germany and is rapidly gaining traction in western regions, particularly among younger demographics through platforms like TikTok. One of Weidel’s campaign videos has garnered four million views, underscoring the party’s ability to resonate with the electorate. The AfD’s messaging is clear: "Vote AfD, break the firewall, and transform German politics."
The party advocates for leaving the European Union, abandoning climate initiatives, constructing nuclear power plants, and revitalizing gas relations with Russia.
The AfD’s focus has intensified on migration and security issues following several tragic attacks since last May, which have been linked to immigrants. The recent stabbing at Berlin’s Holocaust memorial, presumably by a Syrian individual with antisemitic motives, has kept these issues prevalent in public discourse.
The party has adopted a contentious "remigration" policy aimed at deporting criminals from migrant populations, raising concerns about broader implications, including mass deportations.
As the AfD’s visibility increases in urban areas suffering from economic decline, particularly in Germany’s former industrial centers, dissatisfaction with government initiatives has grown. In areas like Marxloh, where the steel industry has drastically declined, young residents voice their frustrations about job scarcity and lack of vocational training, expressing a preference for the AfD’s proposals.
These sentiments resonate with many who do not view the anti-immigration party as extreme. "They’re just ordinary people," said one young voter, explaining how discontent with migration issues often overshadows discussions on broader economic problems.
While polls suggest a clear leader in the election race, uncertainties loom over the ability of several parties to surpass the 5% threshold necessary for parliamentary representation, which could influence coalition-building dynamics in the newly adjusted Bundestag.
With fewer parties gaining seats, forming a majority coalition may become simpler. However, the Free Democratic Party (FDP), previously part of the government, faces potential decline, while the leftist BSW party may also struggle.
In contrast, the Left party has surged in popularity recently, with forecasts indicating it could emerge as the fifth largest party after the Greens, illustrating the evolving political landscape as Germany approaches a watershed moment.
