Germany Elections: Can Olaf Scholz Hold Onto Power as CDU and Far-Right AfD Surge?

Berlin: Elections are to be held in Germany on Sunday. Coalition partners have withdrawn support from Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government, due to which early elections have to be held. The survey indicates that there is going to be a change in power. Unlike previous elections, this time dramatic developments have been seen. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), sacked his finance minister last November, after which he suffered a major political setback. After the removal of the Finance Minister, there was a vote of confidence, in which he lost, and early elections have to be held. In this election, billionaire Elon Musk is publicly supporting the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). AfD is now in a position to make history. Surveys show that it could become the second-largest political force in the country. This will be the first success for a far-right party since World War II.

Who all are in the election?

• Friedrich Merz: Former Chancellor Angela Merkel's party Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is leading in the election, and its candidate Friedrich Merz appears to be the frontrunner.
• Alice Weidel: Alice Weidel is the leader of AfD. It is built around anti-immigration policies. The party saw significant gains due to this in regional elections last year, and now surveys put it at 20% victory in the country. Weidel vowed to close borders and deport undocumented immigrants. People also compare her to Hitler.
• Olaf Scholz: Olaf Scholz's party SPD won the 2021 election. But now he may have to face a big defeat. The decline is clearly visible in the survey. The coalition is facing internal conflicts, which has caused dissatisfaction among voters.
• Robert Habeck: Robert Habeck of the Green Party can get about 13% of the votes. With this, he cannot form the government, but it can play an important role in the coalition.

Germany Election Live Updates

One of the most controversial figures of the AfD party and former history teacher Bjorn Hauk used Nazi terminology in his speeches. His views have been criticized, even within AfD.

The economy is an important issue. Germany was once the economic superpower of Europe. But it has been declining for two consecutive years. It has also been affected due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

A major issue in the election is illegal immigration. There is protest against people seeking asylum, especially after several high-profile attacks. Olaf is engaged in strengthening the country's borders, which is being seen as a step to woo voters.