Germany is set to hold elections on Sunday, February 23 following a snap election called in December due to the collapse of the coalition government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Key issues in this parliamentary election include the economy, migration, and Ukraine’s war with Russia. According to a survey by Politico on February 12, the CDU/CSU alliance is leading in the polls with 29% of voter support, followed by the AfD with 21%. Scholz’s SPD is in third place with 16%, and the Greens are at 12%.
Professor Endre Borbath from the Institute of Political Science at Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat Heidelberg stated that the resurgence of support for the CDU was not surprising, given the current international situation. The snap election was called after the ruling coalition between the SPD, Greens, and FDP collapsed due to disagreements over the country’s weak economy.
The main parties contesting the election include the SPD, CDU/CSU, Greens, AfD, FDP, Linke, and the BSW. Scholz, the current chancellor and leader of the SPD, is facing off against Friedrich Merz, the leader of the CDU, who is promising a tougher stance on migration and crime.
The German electoral system involves voting for local MPs and parties, with the second vote being the most important in determining the composition of the Bundestag. A coalition government is likely to be formed, as it is rare for one party to win an absolute majority.
Polling stations will be open from 8am to 6pm on Sunday, with exit poll results expected shortly after closing. Key issues in the election include Ukraine, with most parties supporting aid to the country, and the economy, with debates over reforming Germany’s debt brake.