The German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government has fallen into a minority, making the upcoming elections crucial and prestigious for the main political parties. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) led by Friedrich Merz and the Christian Social Union (CSU) led by Markus Söder are the hot favorites in this election. Reports suggest that this coalition has the highest chances of winning.
On the other hand, the Alternative for Germany (AfD), which emerged as an extremist party after the influx of migrants in the 2010s, has re-entered the election race. Voters are likely to favor the party that can tackle illegal immigration and boost the economy. In the elections scheduled for February 23, migration and the economy are the primary issues. The question of who will sit in the Bundestag (German Parliament) is the subject of intense debate across Germany.
In Germany, incidents of violence in areas with high public support have increased drastically. Anger is growing among locals, with accusations that illegal migrants are responsible for these attacks. As a result, demands have increased among voters to tighten immigration policies and make refugee regulations stricter. Cities such as Mannheim, Jollingen, Magdeburg, and Ashaffenburg have seen attacks, making illegal immigration a key issue. Recently, in Munich, an Afghan citizen severely injured a German national and her two-year-old daughter when he sped away in a car. This incident has led all the major political parties to turn the issue of illegal immigration into a campaign weapon. Five candidates are competing for the position of Chancellor this time.
Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is likely to attract the most votes. Standing at 6.5 feet tall and 69 years old, Merz worked in Angela Merkel's government in 2002. After stepping away from politics, he served on several investment bank boards. He rejoined the CDU and faced defeats in leadership elections in 2018 and 2021. This time, he is campaigning with the slogan "Let’s be proud to be in Germany again." Merz has promised to strengthen the country's borders, tighten immigration laws, lower taxes, and spend 50 billion euros on welfare programs.
