Elections Expected in February 2025
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has announced the dissolution of the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, setting the stage for early elections on February 23, 2025. This decision follows Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s loss of a confidence vote on December 16, and the agreement between the Social Democrats (SPD) and the opposition Christian Democrats (CDU) on the election date.
In his speech, Steinmeier emphasized the importance of political stability, stating that it is a “precious asset” for the country. With the elections approaching, opinion polls show a 10-point lead for Friedrich Merz’s CDU over Scholz’s SPD, making the re-election bid for Scholz a difficult one.
The elections are expected to focus on key issues including immigration, economic revitalization, and Germany’s support for Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, led by Alice Weidel, has also been gaining traction, although the possibility of the AfD forming a coalition with other major parties is slim. The outcome of these elections will be crucial for Germany’s political future.
