German voters will head to the polls on Sunday for the country’s snap federal election, where incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz faces challenges from the CDU and far-right AfD parties. Final preparations were underway on Saturday as press members set up studios at political party headquarters in Berlin. Four candidates are vying for the chancellor job – Scholz of the SPD, Friedrich Merz of the CDU, Robert Habeck of the Greens party, and Alice Weidel of the AfD. Recent polls project the CDU to win with about 30% support, followed by the AfD at 20%, with the SPD and Greens trailing.
Campaigning continued on Saturday as the candidates aimed to sway undecided voters. US President Donald Trump’s foreign policy was a major focus, with controversy surrounding tariffs on various countries and threats towards the EU. Scholz highlighted the need for a strong European Union to ensure the security and status of Germany and the continent. He emphasized the importance of the relationship with the United States in areas such as trade, calling for a strong mandate in the election to protect against economic repercussions from tariffs.
The CDU’s Friedrich Merz held a final campaign event in Munich, stating that the election would be of significant importance in Germany’s history. Merz pledged to deliver a clear government relationship and a change in politics if elected. He emphasized the need for a change of government to restore Germany’s status on the world stage, ensuring clear security and justice and preventing a move towards the right. High voter turnout is expected due to the prominence of recent political developments globally and the importance of Germany’s role on the world stage.
Protests erupted in some German cities ahead of the election, with thousands demonstrating against the rise of the right in Erfurt. At an AfD rally in Domplatz, around 1,100 people gathered, while more than 4,000 protesters marched through the city center. The far-right also held anti-immigration protests in Berlin, with around 150 demonstrators demanding an end to the current immigration policy. Counter-protesters blocked their route, resulting in a large police presence to prevent clashes between the two opposing groups.
Germany’s next government will play a crucial role in shaping the European Union’s response to an increasingly critical US administration. The country is the EU’s most populous nation and a prominent member of NATO. It is also the second-largest weapons supplier to Ukraine after the US. The outcome of the election will determine how the country is governed for the next four years and will have significant implications for Germany’s position within the EU and its relationship with the United States. With major challenges ahead, German voters will have a critical decision to make when they cast their ballots on Sunday.
