As Germany gears up for the 2025 federal election, recent polls reveal significant challenges for the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The SPD finds itself in a precarious position with just 15% support, while the Union leads with 32.5% and the Alternative for Germany (AfD) follows with 19.5%. These numbers highlight a potential shift in political alliances, with a preference for a grand coalition or a Union-AfD partnership gaining traction.
Chancellor Scholz faces stiff competition from within his own government, trailing behind Interior Minister Nancy Faeser in popularity. Meanwhile, the Free Democratic Party (FDP) risks missing the Bundestag threshold, and Sahra Wagenknecht's ambitions to influence German politics further complicate the landscape.
The SPD, led by Saskia Esken, hopes to tap into its 47% voter potential, though experts like Andrea Römmele caution that the party may only contend for second place. Scholz's candidacy is yet to be confirmed at an upcoming party congress, and his leadership is under scrutiny amidst calls for a more aggressive campaign.
Markus Söder, the CSU leader, has set conditions for a grand coalition with the SPD, emphasizing changes in migration and social security. The CDU, under Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz, is pushing for a policy shift to restore Germany's position on the global stage.
As parties prepare for the election, including organizing campaigns and finalizing candidates, the political arena remains dynamic. The Union's "Wieder nach vorne" slogan underscores their ambition to lead, while the SPD strives to leverage Scholz's governance experience to regain voter confidence.
