Bundestag elections 2025: Main candidates and their programs
Photo: German elections 2025 (GettyImages)
Today, Germany is holding general elections that will determine the country’s political course. Citizens are voting for a new Bundestag (Federal Parliament) and the next Federal Chancellor, according to El Pais and Politico.
Polling stations opened at 8:00 AM local time and will remain open until 6:00 PM Kyiv time. As soon as they close, the first exit poll data is expected, providing an early indication of the election results.
The reason for the snap elections was the collapse of the ruling coalition in November 2024, which consisted of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), the Greens, and the Free Democratic Party (FDP). Disagreements between coalition partners and a worsening economic situation led to the dissolution of parliament and the calling of early elections.
Recent survey data
The primary competition is unfolding between the following political parties:
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Christian Democratic Union (CDU) – Leader: Friedrich Merz. A center-right party and the frontrunner in the election race.
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Alternative for Germany (AfD) – Leader: Alice Weidel. A nationalist, anti-immigration party that has gained significant support, particularly in eastern Germany.
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Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) – Leader: Olaf Scholz. The incumbent Federal Chancellor is seeking re-election.
According to the latest Politico polls, the CDU/CSU center-right bloc leads the race with around 30% support. AfD ranks second with 20%, while SPD polls at 15%, potentially marking the worst result in the party’s post-war history.
Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU, is the main contender for the chancellorship. He is known for his hardline stance on immigration and his pro-business policies. However, critics accuse him of populism and a lack of empathy for citizens struggling with economic difficulties.
These elections are crucial not only for forming Germany’s new government but also for determining the country’s direction in key areas such as the economy, migration policy, and its role in the European Union.
The first preliminary official results are expected at 6:30 PM local time, but forming a coalition and appointing a new chancellor could take days or even weeks due to the complexity of inter-party negotiations. (as.com)
