Germany is gearing up for a critical election, with rising concerns about the growing influence of far-right sentiment, particularly around migration policies that have become central to political discourse, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Currently, the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), are leading in the polls, according to data from the Berlin-based election research institute Infratest Dimap. The Union parties hold a lead of more than 10 percentage points over the far-right populist party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is polling second, as reported by DW.
One of the most controversial figures within the AfD, Bjorn Hocke, a former history teacher, has faced widespread criticism for using Nazi terminology in his speeches. His views have also been condemned by many mainstream German parties, though he remains a popular figure within the AfD, particularly among younger voters. “If they see a bit of a pop star in me, then that’s fine because the youth also need idols like that,” Hocke said in an interview with CNN last Tuesday.
As the election date approaches, the mood is tense in Cottbus, a city in eastern Brandenburg, where voters will head to the polls on February 23. The elections come after the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party coalition government, led by his Social Democratic Party (SPD), in November, as reported by Al Jazeera.
The rise of the AfD, a party known for its strong anti-migration stance, marks the first time in decades that a far-right party in Germany has gained such significant popularity. This shift in political sentiment has created a sense of unease, particularly among refugees. Judith Wiebke, a spokesperson for PRO ASYL, a German pro-immigration organization, stated, “The overall atmosphere is rather tense in Germany at the moment, and refugees do feel the changing attitude towards them.”
Migration remains a contentious issue within the European Union, with leaders of the 27-member bloc often at odds over how to implement a unified migration and asylum policy.
On February 23, 2025, voters will cast their ballots for the Bundestag, the lower house of the German parliament. While the election will not directly determine the next German chancellor, the party that secures the most seats in the Bundestag will attempt to form a governing coalition with a parliamentary majority. The party with the most votes typically appoints its declared chancellor candidate to lead the government, as noted by DW.