An election poster in Frankfurt. Photo: Michael Probst / AP
On Sunday, 23 February, Germany will hold early parliamentary elections following the collapse of the coalition government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The main topics of the election campaign are economic problems, including recession and high prices, as well as migration and security issues. This was reported by The Times.
According to the latest polls, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) under Friedrich Merz is in the lead with around 30% of the vote. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is in second place with around 20%, a significant increase compared to the previous election. The Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) and the Greens are tied for third place with around 15% each.
The economic situation in the country is causing concern among citizens. Polls show that 70% of Germans are concerned about the rising cost of living, and 68% fear an economic downturn due to high competition, energy costs and uncertain prospects. The two-year-long recession has exacerbated these concerns.
Migration also became a central issue in the election debate, especially after tragic incidents involving migrants. This has contributed to the rise in popularity of the AfD, which has been speaking out with harsh anti-immigration rhetoric. At the same time, traditional parties such as the CDU and SPD are trying to find a balance between security and humanitarian commitments.
The international community is closely monitoring the German elections, as their results may affect the European Union’s policy and support for Ukraine in its countering Russian aggression. The growing influence of far-right forces could lead to changes in Berlin’s foreign policy course, which is a cause for concern among Ukrainian diplomats and experts.
