Germany Elections

Author: Trevor Peeters

Preview

Upcoming elections in Germany will prove to be critical in the prospects of democracy in Germany and the European Union, continental security, and continued assistance of the Ukrainian defence against Russia’s invasion.

Germany Elections Updates

Germany has called for federal elections to be held February 23rd, 2025, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party government. The campaign has been marked by debates on economic performance, irregular migration, and Germany’s role in defending Ukrainian sovereignty. Christian Democrat Friedrich Merz, the frontrunner to lead the next government has courted controversy by seeking support from the far-right. Incorporating far-right rhetoric into the mainstream may have severe impacts on the level of German humanitarian and military support for Kyiv at a critical time. Below is an analysis of the political parties in Germany and their positions on the war.

Germany’s two major political parties are the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) and the centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU), along with their Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU). In recent years, however, these large parties have seen a decline in support, allowing smaller parties like the environmental social liberal Greens and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) to gain ground. Additional parties in the election include the pro-market Free Democrats (FDP), the far-left Linke, and the left-wing Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW).

Both of Germany’s mainstream parties support continued aid to Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression. However, as the SPD loses popularity, Chancellor Scholz has recently adopted a more cautious approach, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy. In contrast, the Greens, FDP, and CDU advocate for sending long-range Taurus missiles to Kyiv. Meanwhile, the AfD and BSW call for halting all arms deliveries to Ukraine and restoring favourable relations with Moscow.

A significant concern for German democracy and the continued support for Ukrainian sovereignty is the growing influence of the AfD and the pressure they have exerted on Merz and the CDU. The AfD’s influence on Merz led him to adopt its rhetoric on migration, which ultimately resulted in the failure of a key bill in the Bundestag. This setback undermined the CDU’s credibility and boosted the AfD’s position ahead of the election.

Germany’s shifting political landscape is more than just a domestic challenge and national crisis. It is also a test of democratic resiliency in Europe during a period of significant uncertainty and global instability. A resolute commitment to democratic institutions will determine not only Germany’s political trajectory, but also the strength of the European community in countering Russia’s war of agression.