Berlin – German voters will give ballots on Sunday in the decisive federal elections that could remake the country's political landscape. With the collapse of the previous coalition government, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholts, the Germans are expected to choose a new direction for the largest economy in Europe.
The original thing that becomes the next German chancellor is Friedrich Merz, leader of the Right Central Democratic Union party. Surveys show that CDU enjoys convenient advantage with 28%.
But this is the rise of the extreme right alternative to Germany, which caught the attention of many analysts in front of these elections. AFD has increased in popularity and is currently interviewed in the second, it is assumed that about 21%of the vote will come, while the Liberal Social Democratic Party (SPD) is reported by 16%and 14%.
In this election, which will be required under the German electoral system on its own, any person will receive anywhere so that any party receives anywhere near the open majority in parliament, or the Bundestag that will be required in the German electoral system.
Instead, the parties must agree on alliances to form a government, with a party that occupies the largest places, introducing its leader as a chancellor. This proportional submission system is designed to ensure a wider representation and political stability. Coalition governments often require compromises between the parties with hard policy priorities, making the negotiation process management.
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Despite their popularity of swelling, all major German parties, including the CDU Merz, categorically excluded the formation of the coalition with the AFD, which the Presidential Advisors Elon Musk supported In the election – referring to the party Links to extremely right extremism. This exception means that the AFD will not be part of the next government.
Who is Friedrich Merz, likely as the next German leader?
It is expected that the ideologically conservative entrepreneur Merz, 69, will become the next German chancellor. A well -known simple approach to politics, Merz promised to revive the congestive economy of Germany, reduce taxes and strengthen immigration policy, claiming that the country should become more competitive on the world stage.
Merz also called on Germany to increase the cost of protection from current 50 billion euros to EUR 80 or EUR 90 billion annually, after 2028, citing problems about European security and the need to withstand Russian aggression – the more important as Mr. It seems Trump rebuilds US foreign policy In the distance from the US decades of NATO allies and its firm support for Ukraine amid a constant invasion of Russia.
“It is not only about Ukraine. It is about providing peace in Europe,” Merz said during a recent visit to Kiev, where he confirmed German's commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.
Mertz sees an increasing problem in German relations with the United States and warned of a possible “landing” when the US leadership continues the isolationist path. Without naming anyone, he expressed concern about the possibility of an American president who “fond of authoritarian regimes and ignores different norms” and emphasized the importance of strengthening his own defense capabilities.
Merz also suggested forming a European Contact Contact Group, including Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Poland to coordinate strategies more effectively.
Despite its conservative position, Merz remains committed to the role of Germany in the European Union and NATO alliance. He called for a single European approach to global security, ensuring that Germany remains a key player in shaping the continent's future.
Merz reacted strongly to a row The latest terrorist attacks In Germany, conducted by migrants and individuals seeking asylum from Syria and Afghanistan.
After the Syrian man, said the authorities To inspire Isis, three people were killed and eight as a result of a knife attack in Salingen, Mertz told CBS News that a video closed at all public events is what he considers useful.
“Technically, much more than currently allowed in political terms,” he said, referring to security methods that are now available through advance in video and artificial intelligence technology.
Merz also supported tougher immigration laws and rapid deportation of asylum seekers sentenced to crimes in Germany.
As the Germans go to the polls this weekend, they will essentially choose between continuity and changes.
Although the CDU, which is under the measure, is a transition to a more conservative policy, the result of the election will almost certainly require the creation of a coalition and compromise, so the degree of any change is likely to be much less dramatic than, such as the latest national elections in the US