Polls show Germany's 2025 election will bring changes, but not far-right leader

Berlin – German voters will vote in a key federal election on Sunday that could reshape the country's political landscape. With the collapse of the former coalition government led by former Prime Minister Olaf Scholz, the Germans are expected to choose a new direction for Europe's largest economy.

The leader in becoming the next German Chancellor is Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Central Christian Democratic League. Polls show that CDU enjoys comfortable lead and receives 28% support.

But this is the rise of far-right alternatives to German parties, which attracted the attention of many analysts before this election. The popularity of the AFD is soaring, with a second vote currently scheduled to be held, with about 21% of the vote expected, while the Liberal Social Democrats (SPD) voted at 16% and the Greens at 14%.

In this election, no single party will occupy any place in the seats of Congress or the federal government, which is required by the German electoral system to form a new government on its own.

Instead, the parties must consult with the coalition to form a government, and the party usually takes its leader as prime minister. This proportional representation system is designed to ensure wider representation and political stability. Coalition governments often require clear compromises on policy priorities that compromise between parties, which makes governance a process of negotiation.

Despite its popularity, all mainstream parties, including Melz's CDU, have clearly ruled out alliances with the AFD – President Trump's adviser Elon Musk supports it In the election – quote the party's Link to far-right extremism. Exclusion means that it is almost certain that the AFD will not be part of the next government.

Who is Germany's possible next leader, Friedrich Merz?

Merz, a 69-year-old ideologically conservative entrepreneur, is widely expected to become Germany's next prime minister. Merz, known for his direct political approach, has promised to revive Germany's stagnant economy, lower taxes and tighten immigration policies, believes the country needs to become more competitive at the global stage.

Melz also called on Germany to increase its defense spending from the current €50 billion to 8 billion per year, or €90 billion per year after 2028, citing concerns about European security and opposition to Russian aggression This is more important as Mr. Mr. Trump appears to be re-aligning U.S. foreign policy Amid Russia's ongoing invasion, away from the decades-old NATO allies of the United States and their firm support for Ukraine.

“It's not only about Ukraine. It's about ensuring peace in Europe,” Meers said in a recent visit to Kiev, reiterating Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine's opposition to Russian aggression.

Merz saw the growing challenge of Germany's relationship with the United States and warned that there could be a possible “breakdown” if the U.S. leadership continues to follow the path of isolationism. Without naming anyone, he expressed concern about the possibility of a U.S. president who “worships the authoritarian regime and ignores the norms” and stressed the importance of Europe and strengthened his defense capabilities.

Meers also proposed the formation of European defense contact groups including Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Poland to coordinate strategies more effectively.

Despite his conservative stance, Melz remains committed to Germany's role in the EU and NATO alliances. He called for a unified European approach to global security and ensure that Germany remains a key figure in shaping the future of the continent.

Melz responded strongly to a series of speeds Recent terrorist attacks In Germany, it is conducted by immigrants and asylum seekers in Syria and Afghanistan.

After a Syrian Authorities say Meles told CBS News that inspired by ISIS, eight people were killed and injured in a knife attack in the city of Solingen, and he believes CCTV videos are what he thinks are useful in all public events. .

“Technically, much more than is currently allowed politically,” he said, referring to the security methods that are now available due to advances in video and artificial intelligence technologies.

Meers also supported stricter immigration laws and quickly deported asylum seekers who committed crimes in Germany.

When the Germans head to the poll this weekend, they will essentially choose between continuity and change.

While the CDU under MERZ represents a shift to a more conservative policy, the outcome of the election will almost certainly require alliance building and compromise, so any change may be far less dramatic than that of YOUSS, for example. The last national election in the United States