Abdelrahman
German Political Landscape Heats Up Ahead of Pivotal Election
By Paul Kirby
Digital Editor, Europe – Based in Germany
As Germany approaches a crucial election on Sunday, political leaders are intensifying their campaigns with fierce determination, signaling the high stakes not only for Germany but also for the entire European continent. Conservative frontrunner Friedrich Merz has expressed his belief that under his leadership, Germany would assume a significant role within Europe, while aiming to push the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) back to the fringes of politics.
Merz will conclude his party’s campaign with a rally in Munich, while his adversaries will utilize an innovative "speed-dating" format to engage with voters on television—a final appeal as the election nears. The political atmosphere in Germany has been tumultuous due to the collapse of the previous government, creating a sense of urgency in securing a stable future.
Europe looks to this election with hope, anticipating that it will provide clarity for the EU’s largest democracy and economy, which has been struggling with a protracted recession. However, potential change won’t be immediate; any governing party will need to form coalitions, a process that could extend over several weeks.
Reviving the economy and addressing migration and security have emerged as the two central issues of this campaign, particularly in light of a series of violent incidents that have gripped the nation since May 2024. Cities like Mannheim, Solingen, Magdeburg, Aschaffenburg, and Munich have witnessed tragic attacks linked to immigrants, causing substantial unease among the electorate. The AfD, under Alice Weidel’s guidance, has gained traction in the polls, harnessing nationalist sentiments and anti-immigration rhetoric, capturing around 20% support.
Weidel, who has successfully engaged younger voters through platforms like TikTok—amassing over 866,000 followers—has also attracted backing from prominent figures, including billionaire Elon Musk and U.S. Vice-President JD Vance, raising concerns about foreign interference in German elections.
The AfD proposes stringent measures to secure Germany’s borders and deport illegal migrants involved in criminal activities, framing their narrative under the term "remigration." This has incited significant protests; for instance, in Solingen, citizens gathered to voice their opposition to rising far-right sentiments, emphasizing the need to protect immigrants who have integrated into German society.
Despite being shunned by mainstream parties, should the AfD surpass 20% in the polls, it stands to gain a substantial number of seats in the Bundestag, potentially increasing its representation to 150 members in the 630-seat legislature. Merz is likely to ally with Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats, albeit possibly without Scholz himself. The SPD, currently sitting in third place in polls, seeks to rally undecided voters, who account for roughly 20% of the electorate.
In recent public addresses, Merz has articulated a vision of robust leadership for Germany, referencing significant global shifts and the need for Germany to reclaim its position as a European leader. He criticized the previous government’s lack of initiative on the world stage and pledged to prioritize European unity if elected.
As the election approaches, Alice Weidel has been an active participant in televised debates, highlighting a diverse array of opinions. In discussions with Vice-President JD Vance, she condemned the perception of a "firewall" against the far right, a barrier that has stood in place since World War II. Merz faced backlash for allegedly engaging with the AfD, which has sparked continuous protests against him, particularly during his public appearances in cities like Darmstadt.
Responding to criticism, Merz has assured the public of his position against any form of collaboration with the far right, declaring a policy of "zero tolerance" towards the AfD. As citizens prepare to cast their votes, the sentiment in Germany reflects a desire for a political landscape that balances progress and security while actively engaging with the pressing issues facing the nation today.
