German voters headed to the polls on Sunday in a high-stakes election to determine the composition of the next Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament. The snap election, triggered by the collapse of the ruling coalition of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens, and the Free Democratic Party last year, has intensified political tensions across the nation.
Recent polls indicate that the sister parties of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) are currently leading the race. According to a Friday survey by the Forsa Institute, support for CDU and CSU stands at 29 percent, while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) garners 21 percent, and Chancellor Olaf Scholz's SPD holds 15 percent. With a majority of 316 seats needed in the 630-seat Bundestag to form a stable federal government, coalition negotiations are expected to be complex.
The Forsa survey also revealed that 22 percent of respondents were undecided shortly before the election, highlighting the unpredictability of the outcome. As polling stations opened at 08:00 local time and closed at 18:00, the nation awaits the results and subsequent exit polls.
A total of 4,506 candidates are competing across 299 constituencies, with over 59.2 million people eligible to vote. This election is pivotal not only for Germany but also for Europe, as the outcome will influence policies on migration, economic recovery, and Germany's role in addressing global challenges.
Germany is navigating a fragmented political landscape, making it unlikely for CDU/CSU to secure an outright majority. This scenario necessitates coalition talks that could be fraught with difficulties, especially given the sharp divisions over migration and the presence of the far-right AfD. Should coalition talks fail, Chancellor Scholz may remain in a caretaker role, delaying critical policies aimed at revitalizing Europe's largest economy amidst global competition.
Public sentiment in Germany has grown more pessimistic, with fewer citizens believing their living standards are improving. Attitudes towards migration have also hardened, marking a significant shift from the country's "Refugees Welcome" stance during the 2015 migrant crisis.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
