Germany Elections 2025: Candidates, Key Issues, and What to Expect

By Frederik Steinhauser

Introduction

On February 23^rd, Germany will hold general elections for the lower house of Parliament, the Bundestag. After months of crisis, the coalition of Social Democratic Chancellor Olaf Scholz has reached the end of the road after losing the vote of confidence, effectively putting an end to his troubled government.

Recent Political Crisis

The three-party “traffic light” coalition  —  made up of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), Free Democratic Party (FDP) and Greens — that has governed Germany since 2021 collapsed in November 2024. 

The cause of this governmental crisis was that, on 6 November 2024, the outgoing Social Democratic Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed his liberal Finance Minister, Christian Lindner (FDP), following a lengthy dispute over how to address a multibillion-euro shortfall in next year’s budget. Scholz wanted to boost spending by taking on more debt, citing the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Lindner opposed this and instead pushed for a series of tax cuts and spending reductions, which the SPD and Greens rejected, arguing that they would undermine much of the government’s agenda.

Following Linder dismissal, Scholz called a vote of confidence in parliament, which he then lost, sending Germany to early elections in February and plunging Europe’s largest economy into a period of considerable uncertainty.  

The next chancellor will face a struggling economy.  With the upcoming election approaching, focus now shifts to the key candidates competing for the role of chancellor.

Germany’s Chancellor Candidates and Their Parties

Here are the candidates to become chancellor and their support, according to a poll by POLITICO.

Friedrich Merz (Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union – CDU/CSU)

Merz, 66, is the leader of the center-right Christian Democrats. After being sidelined by Angela Merkel, he spent years in finance before making a political comeback. The CDU/CSU leads with 29% support, making Merz the frontrunner.

• Key Issues: Reducing taxes, stopping illegal migration, and increasing security through expanded video surveillance and automated facial recognition. Supports increasing defence spending above 2% of GDP, military support for Ukraine and Israel, and reducing economic dependency on China while maintaining close economic relations.

Alice Weidel (Alternative für Deutschland – AfD)

Weidel is the leader of the far-right AfD, a party that has seen significant gains in the polls in the last years, making it the second-strongest political force in Germany. The AfD is polling at 21%, making it the second-largest party in Germany. 

• Key Issues: Hardline stance on illegal immigration, strong opposition to the EU, scepticism of allegedly man-made climate change, and a pro-Russia foreign policy. The party demands strict border controls, immediate deportations of illegal immigrants who do not have the legal right to stay in Germany​, and an end to what it calls “mass migration policies”. It also opposes asylum rights for those arriving from safe third countries and seeks to limit social benefits for non-citizens.

Olaf Scholz ( Social Democratic Party – SPD)

The outgoing chancellor leading the center-left SPD, Scholz is facing declining support since the collapse of his coalition government. Polls place the SPD at third place, with polling at 16%.

• Key Issues: Economic investment, higher wages, and controlled immigration. Supports Ukraine but is more cautious on military aid compared to conservatives and Greens.

Robert Habeck (Greens)

Habeck was the Vice-Chancellor and economy minister during the last government and is leading the Greens in the election. The Greens are polling at 12%.

• Key Issues: Green transition, social justice, and maintaining open asylum policies. Supports Germany’s commitment to NATO and Ukraine.

Sahra Wagenknecht (Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht – BSW)

Former Left Party politician, Wagenknecht founded her own party in January 2024, combining left-wing economic policies with conservative views on immigration and a pro-Russia stance. She is currently polling at 6%, with strong support in eastern Germany.

• Key Issues: Economic justice, skepticism of mass immigration, and a more neutral foreign policy.

Christian Lindner (Free Democratic Party – FDP)

Lindner was the finance minister under Scholz, and his dismissal led to the collapse of the coalition government. The FDP is struggling at 4%, below the 5% threshold needed to enter parliament.

• Key Issues: Economic liberalisation, tax cuts, and pension reform. Supports NATO but opposes excessive government spending.

Heidi Reichinnek & Jan van Aken (Die Linke – The Left Party)

Reichinnek and van Aken were the leaders of the far-left party, which is losing support but still maintains strong backing in eastern Germany. Currently polling at 5%, barely above the threshold for parliamentary representation

• Key Issues: Higher taxation on the wealthy, expanded social programmes, and reducing the retirement age.

Main 2025 Election Issues in Germany

Ukraine

Germany’s mainstream parties remain committed to supporting Ukraine against Russia’s invasion. The CDU/CSU emphasises strengthening NATO, increasing defence spending beyond 2% of GDP, and maintaining military aid to Ukraine through financial and arms support. The SPD also backs Ukraine but has taken a more cautious diplomatic approach. The Greens align with the CDU/CSU in favour of military aid but stress a European-led defence strategy. On the other hand, the AfD and BSW oppose weapons deliveries to Kyiv and advocate for restoring diplomatic relations with Moscow.

Economy

Germany’s economic slowdown has put growth and investment at the centre of the election debate. The CDU/CSU proposes tax cuts for individuals and businesses, aiming to reduce corporate tax to 25%, while also maintaining the “debt brake” to limit public borrowing. The FDP echoes these pro-business policies, pushing for fewer regulations and lower energy taxes. In contrast, the SPD seeks higher public investment, supporting a €100 billion infrastructure fund and tax incentives for businesses. The Greens advocate for reforming the debt brake to allow increased public spending, along with introducing a billionaire tax to fund social programmes. The AfD, on the other hand, wants Germany to leave the euro, reintroduce the Deutsche Mark, and abolish EU financial regulations.

Migration

A series of violent attacks involving foreign suspects has intensified public concern over migration and security, leading to stricter policy proposals across the political spectrum. The CDU/CSU takes a strict stance on immigration, advocating for stronger border controls, facial recognition technology at airports and train stations, and pushing back asylum seekers at the borders. The SPD supports faster asylum procedures and migration agreements that allow skilled labour immigration while ensuring deportations of rejected asylum seekers. The BSW, while economically left-wing, takes a more restrictive approach to immigration, advocating limits on low-skilled migration. The AfD demands the reinstatement of national border controls, the abolition of asylum rights for those arriving from safe third countries, and restrictions on social benefits for non-citizens, while the Greens maintain a pro-migrant stance, opposing deportations to crisis regions and supporting family reunification policies.

Energy

High energy prices remain a major concern for households and businesses. The CDU/CSU, SPD, and Greens agree on the expansion of renewable energy but differ on financing strategies. The CDU wants to fund lower energy costs through higher CO₂ certificate revenues, while the SPD and Greens propose state subsidies financed by debt. The Greens also support subsidies for electric vehicles and a new public pension fund backed by state money. In contrast, the AfD rejects climate policies altogether, promoting coal and nuclear energy, abolishing CO₂ pricing, and resuming Russian gas imports. The BSW is skeptical of radical climate measures but supports increased investment in renewable energy. Die Linke pushes for banning short-haul flights and investing heavily in public transport and green energy.

Relations with Trump

The CDU/CSU emphasises strategic cooperation while maintaining European independence, particularly on defence and trade. The SPD has been more confrontational, pushing back against Trump’s demands for Europe to increase defence spending. The Greens argue that Europe must remain united and seek direct talks to avoid economic conflict. The AfD is the only party that openly embraces Trump’s return, having received endorsements from figures like Elon Musk.

Conclusion

On 23 February 2025, nearly 60 million German voters will head to the polls in snap elections. The conservative CDU and CSU parties are favorites to win the most seats, but their ruling out a coalition with the AfD has narrowed their options of potential partners in government. That makes a deal most likely with either or both the SPD and the Greens. Many in the SPD are reluctant to work with Merz after a migration row, but a so-called grand coalition of the two parties is considered possible. Polls suggest the far-right AfD will emerge as the strongest opposition party, though all other parties have ruled out coalition partnerships with it. Regardless of the outcome, a shift in Germany’s political landscape is expected, with ripple effects across European and international affairs.

About the author

Frederik Steinhauser holds a degree in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Parma, Italy. He currently works as a geopolitical analyst for an Italian think tank, specializing in defense and security. During his studies, he developed a strong interest in European politics, with a particular focus on EU institutions, policy-making, and geopolitical challenges.