Berlin – German voters vote on Sunday in a crucial federal election which could reshape the country’s political landscape. With the collapse of the previous coalition government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the Germans should choose a new direction for the greatest European economy.
The precursor to become the next German Chancellor is Friedrich Merz, leader of the Party of the Christian Democratic Union of the center-right. The surveys show that the CDU benefits from a comfortable advance, with 28% support. Merz voted Sunday in Arnsberg in western Germany on Sunday, a few minutes after his main rival, Scholz.
But it is the rise of the extreme right alternative for the German party which caught the attention of many analysts before this election. AFD has increased in popularity and is currently in second position, should take around 21%of votes, while the liberal Social Democratic Party (SPD) questions 16%, and the Greens at 14%.
It is very unlikely that any single party will harvest near the outright majority of seats in Parliament, or Bundestag, in this election which would be required by the German electoral system to form a new government in itself.
Instead, the parties must negotiate alliances to form a government, the party which takes the most seats generally putting its leader in the role of the Chancellor. This proportional representation system aims to ensure broader representation and political stability. Coalition governments often require compromise between parties with significantly different political priorities, making governance a negotiation process.
Massimo di nantno / getty
Despite their swollen popularity, all the traditional German parties, including the Merz CDU, have categorically excluded to form a coalition with AFD – that President Trump’s adviser Elon Musk supported In the elections – citing the party Links to extreme right extreme. This exclusion means that it is practically certain that AFD will not be part of the next government.
Who is Friedrich Merz, the next probable leader of Germany?
The ideologically conservative entrepreneur, Merz, 69, should largely become the next Chancellor of Germany. Known for a simple approach to politics, Merz has promised to revitalize the stagnant economy of Germany, reduce taxes and tighten immigration policies, arguing that the country must become more competitive on the world stage.
Merz also called on Germany to increase its defense expenses by 50 billion euros current to 80 or 90 billion euros per year, after 2028, citing concerns about European security and the need to counter the Russian aggression – all the more important as Mr. Trump seems to realign American foreign policy Far from the allies of Ukraine old NATOs and its support for Ukraine in the midst of Russia’s in progress.
“It is not only a question of Ukraine. It is a question of ensuring peace in Europe,” said Merz during a recent visit to kyiv, where he reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to Support Ukraine against Russian attack.
Merz sees a growing challenge in Germany’s relationship with the United States and warned against a possible “break at the time” if American leadership continues on an isolationist path. Without naming anyone, he expressed his concern about the possibility of an American president who “admires authoritarian regimes and does not take into account various standards” and underlined the importance of Europe strengthening its own defense capacities.
Merz has also proposed the training of a European defense contact group, especially in Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Poland, to coordinate strategies more effectively.
Despite its conservative position, Merz remains attached to the role of Germany in the European Union and the NATO alliance. He called for a unified European approach to world security, ensuring that Germany remains a key player in training the continent’s future.
Merz reacted strongly to a series of Recent terrorist attacks In Germany performed by migrants and asylum seekers from Syria and Afghanistan.
After a Syrian, said by the authorities For having been inspired by the Islamic State, killed three people and injured eight in a knife attack in the city of Solingen, Merz told CBS News that video in closed circuit for all public events is something that he would consider useful.
“Technically, much more would be possible for what is currently authorized politically,” he said, referring to security methods now available thanks to the progress of video and artificial intelligence technologies.
Merz also supported more strict immigration laws and the rapid expulsion of asylum seekers found guilty of crimes in Germany.
While the Germans head for the polls, they will choose mainly between continuity and change.
While the CDU under Merz represents a change towards more conservative policies, the outcome of the election will almost certainly require the construction and compromise of the coalition, so that the degree of change will probably be much less dramatic than, for example , the one used by the last national elections in the United States
