Sun Feb 23 07:26:08 UTC 2025: ## Germany Heads to the Polls Amid Economic Stagnation and Far-Right Surge

**Berlin, Germany** – Germany held national elections on February 23rd, 2025, with the center-right Union bloc, led by Friedrich Merz, favored to win. The election, held seven months ahead of schedule after the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government, is dominated by concerns over economic stagnation, migration, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Polls predict the strongest showing for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) since World War II, with around 20% of the vote. This marks a significant increase from their previous best result of 12.6% in 2017, and their candidate, Alice Weidel, is vying for the chancellorship. However, mainstream parties have pledged not to cooperate with the AfD.

Merz’s Union bloc is polling between 28-32%, while Scholz’s Social Democrats are trailing significantly at 14-16%, their worst postwar result. The Greens, with Robert Habeck as their candidate, are also competing, but are polling behind the Social Democrats.

The election’s outcome is uncertain, with no party expected to achieve an absolute majority. Coalition negotiations are anticipated, potentially lasting weeks or months, before a new chancellor is elected. While Merz aims for a two-party coalition, he may need a third partner to secure a majority, depending on the performance of smaller parties like the Free Democrats.

The economy, which has shrunk for the past two years, is a central campaign issue. Migration has also taken center stage following recent deadly attacks, with Merz promising stricter border controls and increased deportations. His stance on the AfD, despite his denials of cooperation, has drawn criticism from rival parties.

Germany’s role in supporting Ukraine and meeting NATO defense spending targets will also be critical for the next government, especially with the upcoming depletion of a special 100 billion-euro military modernization fund. The new government will face the considerable challenge of addressing these pressing issues and navigating potential coalition complexities.

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