Who is running in the German election and what are the key issues?
1 month, 1 week ago

Who is running in the German election and what are the key issues?

Al Jazeera  

German citizens will take to the polls on February 23 for a snap general election after the ruling coalition government collapsed late last year. Germany will go to the polls on Sunday, February 23 after a snap election was called in December following the collapse of the coalition government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. In November 2024, Germany’s ruling coalition, a three-way alliance between the SPD, the Greens and the Free Democratic Party, collapsed following disagreements over the country’s weak economy, which led Scholz to sack his finance minister, Christian Lindner of the FDP party. Olaf Scholz, Social Democratic Party Scholz, 66, the current German chancellor, is running again in the upcoming election after he was sworn in by the Bundestag in December 2021 after running as a continuity candidate following the departure of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who was chancellor for 16 years. “There’s just no party that says ‘yes, migration is needed’ and that ‘migration is good’ … So I think, in that sense, the effect of the AfD is much more visible than in the policy-making process … this normalisation of AfD, of immigration critical voices that were previously mostly linked to the AfD, becoming much more widespread and normalised and taken over also by centre-left or left-wing forces,” he said.

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History of this topic

Germany: Merz’s Conservatives face likely defeat in key regional vote after national election win
3 weeks, 3 days ago

Germany: Merz’s Conservatives face likely defeat in key regional vote after national election win

Firstpost  

The center-left SPD has dominated Hamburg’s politics for most of the past 80 years, including during Scholz’s tenure as mayor from 2011 to 2018 The Conservatives of Germany, led by Friedrich Merz, are set to lose in the Hamburg regional polls. File image/Reuters Germany’s conservative bloc is expected to suffer a setback in Sunday’s regional election in Hamburg, just a …

German election: What's next
1 month ago

German election: What's next

China Daily  

Friedrich Merz, chairman of the Christian Democratic Union, is poised to be nominated as Germany's next chancellor, according to preliminary results of the federal election. Merz has pledged to revitalize Germany's struggling economy and address the looming threat of US tariffs. On the domestic front, he aims to tighten immigration laws, though changes are expected to be moderate given the …

German election: What's next
1 month ago

German election: What's next

China Daily  

Friedrich Merz, chairman of the Christian Democratic Union, is poised to be nominated as Germany's next chancellor, according to preliminary results of the federal election. Merz has pledged to revitalize Germany's struggling economy and address the looming threat of US tariffs. On the domestic front, he aims to tighten immigration laws, though changes are expected to be moderate given the …

German election: What's next
1 month ago

German election: What's next

China Daily  

Friedrich Merz, chairman of the Christian Democratic Union, is poised to be nominated as Germany's next chancellor, according to preliminary results of the federal election. Merz has pledged to revitalize Germany's struggling economy and address the looming threat of US tariffs. On the domestic front, he aims to tighten immigration laws, though changes are expected to be moderate given the …

What does the election result mean for German politics?
1 month ago

What does the election result mean for German politics?

The Independent  

Friedrich Merz’s conservative Christian Democratic Union, very closely allied with its Bavarian partner the Christian Social Union, has come first in the German elections. Merz called this election the “last chance” for Germany’s traditional parties to prove that they can make the system work. It’s also true, though, that the 28.5 per cent of the vote won by the CDU/CSU …

German election results 2025 – latest: Friedrich Merz’s Conservatives celebrate win as far right party makes record gains
Trending News
1 month ago

German election results 2025 – latest: Friedrich Merz’s Conservatives celebrate win as far right party makes record gains

The Independent  

✕ Close Elon Musk says multiculturalism 'dilutes everything' at German far-right rally For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates …

Conservative leader Friedrich Merz wins German election
1 month ago

Conservative leader Friedrich Merz wins German election

Deccan Chronicle  

Germany's conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz won a lackluster victory in a national election Sunday, while Alternative for Germany doubled its support in the strongest showing for a far-right party since World War II, projections showed.Chancellor Olaf Scholz conceded defeat for his center-left Social Democrats after what he called “a bitter election result.” Projections for ARD and ZDF public television …

German election: Who won, who lost and what’s next?
1 month ago

German election: Who won, who lost and what’s next?

Al Jazeera  

Christian Democrats came first. Germany’s Greens and the far-left Die Linke, or The Left, party exceeded the 5 percent threshold to secure seats in parliament, with 11.6 percent and 8.8 percent, respectively. As a result, the CDU/CSU partnership is projected to secure 208 seats in the Bundestag, the German parliament, the AfD 152, the SPD 120, the Greens 85 and …

Germany Election: Chancellor Scholz's SPD concedes defeat | What’s next for winner Friedrich Merz?
1 month ago

Germany Election: Chancellor Scholz's SPD concedes defeat | What’s next for winner Friedrich Merz?

Hindustan Times  

The opposition conservative leader Friedrich Merz has emerged victorious in the German Federal Elections and the results will mark a significant shift in Germany's political landscape. Friedrich Merz, right, leader of the Christian Democratic Union, and Markus Soeder, leader of the Christian Social Union, shake hands at the CDU party headquarters in Berlin. Chancellor Scholz concedes defeat The SPD conceded …

Discontented Germany Votes In An Election With Economy, Migration And Far-Right Strength In Focus
Top News
1 month ago

Discontented Germany Votes In An Election With Economy, Migration And Far-Right Strength In Focus

Huff Post  

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz casts his vote at a polling station in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, during the German national election. The top candidates, conservative front-runner Friedrich Merz and current Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the Social Democrats, voted within minutes of each other in different parts of the country on Sunday morning. This election is taking place seven …

Germany Elections: Scholz, Merz, Habeck, Weidel vie for leadership in high-stakes battle after coalition collapse
1 month ago

Germany Elections: Scholz, Merz, Habeck, Weidel vie for leadership in high-stakes battle after coalition collapse

Live Mint  

Germany Elections: Voters in Germany are casting their ballots in a highly anticipated national election on Sunday. Four key candidates are in the running: Scholz, opposition leader Friedrich Merz, Vice Chancellor and Greens candidate Robert Habeck, and far-right Alternative for Germany co-leader Alice Weidel. Merz and AfD’s role in the election Merz, the leader of the center-right Christian Democratic Union, …

German Elections 2025: Discontented Germany votes in an election with economy, migration and far-right strength in focus
Trending News
1 month ago

German Elections 2025: Discontented Germany votes in an election with economy, migration and far-right strength in focus

The Hindu  

German voters are choosing a new government in an election on Sunday dominated by worries about the years-long stagnation of Europe's biggest economy, pressure to curb migration and growing uncertainty over the future of Ukraine and Europe's alliance with the United States. This election is taking place seven months before it was originally planned after center-left Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition …

Discontented Germany votes in an election with economy, migration and far-right strength in focus
Top News
1 month ago

Discontented Germany votes in an election with economy, migration and far-right strength in focus

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. This election is taking place seven months before it was originally planned after center-left Chancellor …

Conservative opposition wins German election and the far right is 2nd with strongest postwar result
1 month ago

Conservative opposition wins German election and the far right is 2nd with strongest postwar result

Associated Press  

BERLIN — The opposition conservatives led by Friedrich Merz won a lackluster victory in Germany’s election Sunday and Alternative for Germany doubled its support in the strongest showing for a far-right party since World War II, projections showed. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print The election took place seven months earlier than planned …

Merz claims victory for German conservatives as the far right heads for strongest postwar result
1 month ago

Merz claims victory for German conservatives as the far right heads for strongest postwar result

LA Times  

A resident casts a vote at a polling station in Berlin on Sunday during the German national election. Chancellor Olaf Scholz conceded defeat for his center-left Social Democrats after what he called “a bitter election result.” Projections for ARD and ZDF public television showed his party finishing in third place with its worst postwar result in a national parliamentary election. …

Germany's conservative alliance led by Friedrich Merz claims victory, say exit polls
1 month ago

Germany's conservative alliance led by Friedrich Merz claims victory, say exit polls

India TV News  

Germany's conservative alliance led by Friedrich Merz claims victory, say exit polls German election 2025: The contenders have made contrasting proposals to turn around the German economy, which has shrunk for the past two years and hasn't managed real growth in much longer. Center-right opposition leader Friedrich Merz claimed victory in Germany's national election on Sunday fund to modernise the …

German election 2025 live results: By the numbers
1 month ago

German election 2025 live results: By the numbers

Al Jazeera  

Germany’s conservative CDU has won the most votes with party leader Friedrich Merz signalling he hopes to form a government quickly. Germany’s conservative CDU has won the most votes, with party leader Friedrich Merz signalling he hopes to form a government quickly. The main parties are: CDU/CSU – The Christian Democratic Union is led by Friedrich Merz, who is also …

The date, candidates and key issues in the German election
1 month ago

The date, candidates and key issues in the German election

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Here's a look at the main contenders and the …

German voters head to the polls this weekend – here is what to expect
1 month ago

German voters head to the polls this weekend – here is what to expect

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Germans head to the polls …

5 crises that may decide who will be Germany's next chancellor
1 month ago

5 crises that may decide who will be Germany's next chancellor

Firstpost  

As Germany heads to the poll, here’s a look at five crises that will be waiting for Germany’s next Chancellor Germany is all set for general elections on Sunday. The last time Germans were confident about their government was in 2020 when 65 per cent of the voters trusted former chancellor Angela Merkel’s administration. Back in 2016, Germany scored 7.1 …

Here's what to know about Germany's election this Sunday
1 month ago

Here's what to know about Germany's election this Sunday

NPR  

Here's what to know about Germany's election this Sunday toggle caption VOLKER HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images BERLIN — An economic slump, an immigration crisis and the lifting of a security blanket provided for decades by its most powerful ally are on the minds of German voters as they head to the polls for Sunday's national parliamentary election. But on Nov. …

Germany is holding a national election. Here’s what’s at stake
Trending News
1 month ago

Germany is holding a national election. Here’s what’s at stake

CNN  

Berlin CNN — Voting opened Sunday in a German general election that opinion polls suggest will bring a new chancellor and a new governing coalition. The chancellor called Musk’s support for far-right politicians in Europe “disgusting.” Tech billionaire Elon Musk speaks via a video transmission during the election campaign launch rally of the far-right Alternative for Germany party, in Halle, …

Germany is holding a national election. Here’s what’s at stake
Trending News
1 month ago

Germany is holding a national election. Here’s what’s at stake

CNN  

Berlin CNN — Voting opened Sunday in a German general election that opinion polls suggest will bring a new chancellor and a new governing coalition. The chancellor called Musk’s support for far-right politicians in Europe “disgusting.” Tech billionaire Elon Musk speaks via a video transmission during the election campaign launch rally of the far-right Alternative for Germany party, in Halle, …

Germany Bundestag election 2025: All most frequently asked questions answered
1 month ago

Germany Bundestag election 2025: All most frequently asked questions answered

Firstpost  

German voters will vote to choose their new Bundestag on Sunday. Here is everything you need to know about elections for the lower house of the German Parliament Germany is all set for general elections on Sunday. Source: AP Germany is all set for general elections on Sunday, triggered by the collapse of “traffic-light” coalition of social democrats, liberals and …

7 questions that help you understand the German elections
1 month ago

7 questions that help you understand the German elections

Firstpost  

Germany is voting on February 23 in a snap election to elect a new government. From the main parties to who could be the next chancellor, we answer all your questions Members of the media watch German Chancellor of the Social Democratic Party, Olaf Scholz and his conservative rival of the Christian Democratic Union Friedrich Merz debate on Welt TV, …

7 questions that help you understand the German elections
1 month ago

7 questions that help you understand the German elections

Firstpost  

Germany is voting on February 23 in a snap election to elect a new government. From the main parties to who could be the next chancellor, we answer all your questions Members of the media watch German Chancellor of the Social Democratic Party, Olaf Scholz and his conservative rival of the Christian Democratic Union Friedrich Merz debate on Welt TV, …

German voters head to the polls this weekend – here is what to expect
Trending News
1 month ago

German voters head to the polls this weekend – here is what to expect

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Germans head to the polls …

The date, candidates and key issues in the German election
Trending News
1 month ago

The date, candidates and key issues in the German election

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Here's a look at the main contenders and the …

Germany votes Sunday for a new government that will shape Europe’s response to an assertive Trump
1 month, 1 week ago

Germany votes Sunday for a new government that will shape Europe’s response to an assertive Trump

Associated Press  

BERLIN — German voters go to the polls Sunday to elect a new parliament that will determine how the country is run for the next four years. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Preelection polls have put Merz’s Union bloc in the lead with support …

German voters prepare to elect a new parliament. Here's what to expect on and after election day
1 month, 1 week ago

German voters prepare to elect a new parliament. Here's what to expect on and after election day

New Indian Express  

BERLIN: German voters go to the polls Sunday to elect a new parliament that will determine how the country is run for the next four years. Europe's biggest economy is the 27-nation European Union's most populous nation and a leading member of NATO, as well as the second-biggest weapons supplier to Ukraine, after the United States, following Russia's full-scale invasion …

Germany elections: Meet the four candidates in the race to become the next chancellor
1 month, 1 week ago

Germany elections: Meet the four candidates in the race to become the next chancellor

Firstpost  

Germany is heading towards a crucial election to elect its next chancellor this Sunday. In the race to become the top leader, is an incumbent chancellor seeking a second term, an opposition leader calling for stricter policies, a current vice chancellor and a far-right challenger making waves Four candidates are bidding to be Germany’s next leader in Sunday’s election. Friedrich …

Germany elections: Meet the four candidates in the race to become the next chancellor
1 month, 1 week ago

Germany elections: Meet the four candidates in the race to become the next chancellor

Firstpost  

Germany is heading towards a crucial election to elect its next chancellor this Sunday. In the race to become the top leader, is an incumbent chancellor seeking a second term, an opposition leader calling for stricter policies, a current vice chancellor and a far-right challenger making waves Four candidates are bidding to be Germany’s next leader in Sunday’s election. Friedrich …

4 candidates want to be Germany’s next chancellor. Who are they?
1 month, 1 week ago

4 candidates want to be Germany’s next chancellor. Who are they?

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Four candidates are bidding to be Germany’s next leader in Sunday’s election. Friedrich Merz Germany’s 69-year-old opposition leader has been the front-runner in the election campaign, with his center-right Union bloc leading polls. He’s also Germany’s current vice chancellor and the economy and climate minister, with responsibility for energy issues. As co-leader of the Greens from 2018 to …

Germany's Scholz faces Biden-like pressure to stand down in Feb 23 election as Musk-backed AfD rises in polls
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Germany's Scholz faces Biden-like pressure to stand down in Feb 23 election as Musk-backed AfD rises in polls

Firstpost  

The SPD is polling between 15 per cent and 16 per cent, trailing in third place just weeks before the February 23 snap election, but Scholz has resisted calls to step aside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke about the memory of Auschwitz against the backdrop of the rise of far-right in Germany. File image/AP German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is under …

German President Steinmeier dissolves parliament for snap elections on February 23
2 months, 3 weeks ago

German President Steinmeier dissolves parliament for snap elections on February 23

Hindustan Times  

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Friday dissolved Germany's lower house of parliament to pave the way for snap elections on Feb. 23 following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-way coalition. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier dissolves the German parliament, the Bundestag, during a statement to the media, after Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote, at Bellevue palace in Berlin, Germany …

German President Steinmeier dissolves parliament, sets snap elections for February 2025 after collapse of Olaf Scholz’s
2 months, 3 weeks ago

German President Steinmeier dissolves parliament, sets snap elections for February 2025 after collapse of Olaf Scholz’s

Live Mint  

BERLIN -President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Friday dissolved Germany's lower house of parliament to pave the way for snap elections on Feb. 23 following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-way coalition. "Especially in difficult times, like now, stability requires a government capable of acting, and reliable majorities in parliament," which was why early elections were the right way forward for …

German President Dissolves Parliament, Sets Snap Elections For February Amid Coalition Collapse
2 months, 3 weeks ago

German President Dissolves Parliament, Sets Snap Elections For February Amid Coalition Collapse

ABP News  

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Friday dissolved parliament and announced new elections for 23 February following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party governing coalition. German Election: Opinion Polls Show Tough Contest For Chancellor Olaf Scholz The election campaign is already underway, with opinion polls indicating a tough contest for Scholz, news agency AP reported. Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck of …

Germany’s president dissolves parliament, sets national election for Feb. 23
Trending News
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Germany’s president dissolves parliament, sets national election for Feb. 23

Associated Press  

FRANKFURT, Germany — German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Friday ordered parliament dissolved and set new elections for Feb. 23 in the wake of the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s governing coalition. Scholz lost a confidence vote on Dec. 16 and leads a minority government after his unpopular and notoriously rancorous three-party coalition collapsed on Nov. 6 when he fired his …

German parliament dissolved, national election to take place on February 23
3 months ago

German parliament dissolved, national election to take place on February 23

India TV News  

On Friday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier dissolved the parliament and set February 23 as the election date in the country after Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition collapsed earlier. Steinmeier warns about outside interference Steinmeier warned about outside interference in the poll, saying it is “a danger to democracy, whether it is covert, as was evidently the case recently in the Romanian …

German president dissolves parliament to pave way for February 23 snap elections
3 months ago

German president dissolves parliament to pave way for February 23 snap elections

CNN  

Berlin Reuters — German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Friday dissolved the country’s lower house of parliament to pave the way for snap elections on February 23 following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-way coalition. “Especially in difficult times, like now, stability requires a government capable of acting, and reliable majorities in parliament,” which was why early elections were the …

German president dissolves parliament, snap elections due in Feb
3 months ago

German president dissolves parliament, snap elections due in Feb

China Daily  

Xinhua | Updated: 2024-12-27 18:07 BERLIN -- German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Friday dissolved the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, paving the way for early federal elections. Steinmeier announced in Berlin that the snap elections will be held on Feb 23, as previously agreed by major political parties. This announcement came after Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a vote of …

German President dissolves parliament, calls for snap elections on February 23
3 months ago

German President dissolves parliament, calls for snap elections on February 23

India Today  

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Friday dissolved Germany's lower house of parliament to pave the way for snap elections on February 23 following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-way coalition. "Especially in difficult times, like now, stability requires a government capable of acting, and reliable majorities in parliament," which was why early elections were the right way forward for Germany, …

German president dissolves parliament, confirms February vote
3 months ago

German president dissolves parliament, confirms February vote

Al Jazeera  

Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who lost confidence vote this month, will act as caretaker chancellor at time of rising turmoil. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has dissolved the country’s parliament, confirming that snap elections prompted by the recent collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government will be held on February 23. Delivering a speech at Berlin’s Bellevue Palace on Friday, Steinmeier said that …

Germany's president dissolves parliament ahead of February 23 snap election
3 months ago

Germany's president dissolves parliament ahead of February 23 snap election

ABC  

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has dissolved the country's lower house of parliament to pave the way for snap elections on February 23. Mr Scholz lost a confidence vote in parliament earlier this month after the departure of Finance Minister Christian Lindner's Free Democrats left his government without a legislative majority. Germans set for snap election as parliament rescinds chancellor trust …

The most - and least - surprising votes from a historic year of elections
3 months ago

The most - and least - surprising votes from a historic year of elections

CNN  

CNN — 2024 was the year of the vote. Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential contest is undoubtedly the most consequential, while French President Emmanuel Macron calling a snap vote after the EU parliamentary election is perhaps the most informative. Like Modi in the world’s largest democracy of 1.4 billion people, Macron – with a much smaller electorate of …

Scholz dismisses Musk’s assertion that only a far-right party can ‘save’ Germany
3 months ago

Scholz dismisses Musk’s assertion that only a far-right party can ‘save’ Germany

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday dismissed an assertion by Elon Musk that only a far-right party can “save Germany,” but said that freedom of opinion “also goes for multibillionaires.” Germany is expected to vote in an early election on Feb. 23 after Scholz’s three-party governing coalition collapsed last month in a dispute over how to revitalize the country’s …

Olaf Scholz dismisses Elon Musk's 'only a far-right party can save Germany' assertion
3 months, 1 week ago

Olaf Scholz dismisses Elon Musk's 'only a far-right party can save Germany' assertion

India TV News  

Olaf Scholz dismisses Elon Musk's 'only a far-right party can save Germany' assertion Germany's Olaf Scholz has dismissed an assertion by Elon Musk, who said that a far-right party can “save Germany". Dismissing an assertion by Elon Musk that only a far-right party can “save Germany", Olaf Scholz said that freedom of opinion “also goes for multi-billionaires.” Germany is expected …

Persistent instability: On German politics
3 months, 1 week ago

Persistent instability: On German politics

The Hindu  

German politics has been in turmoil ever since Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost his parliamentary majority last month, when the pro-market Free Democratic Party exited his three-way coalition. Mr. Scholz initially tried to cling on to power, heading a minority government, but amid criticism and concerns that delaying an inevitable snap election could further damage the chances of Mr. Scholz’s Social …

Germany's Scholz loses confidence vote
Top News
3 months, 1 week ago

Germany's Scholz loses confidence vote

China Daily  

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz talks at the start of a special meeting of the Social Democratic Party parliamentary group after losing the vote of confidence in the parliament in Berlin on Monday. CHRISTOPH SOEDER/AP German Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote on Monday, paving the way for an early election in February. "While Lindner's departure triggered the vote, the …

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