Germany Prepares for Pivotal Federal Election

Germany is poised for a significant federal election, with the future of the nation and its political landscape at stake. As voters prepare to elect the 21st Bundestag, only 29 parties are participating, a notable decrease from the previous election. The Union, composed of CDU and CSU, leads the polls, followed by AfD and SPD. Potential coalitions include a black-red alliance with SPD or a black-green one with the Greens, though a three-party coalition might be necessary if smaller parties surpass the threshold.

A key change this election is a reform that limits the Bundestag to 630 members, eliminating excess mandates. Voters over 18 with German citizenship, totaling approximately 59.2 million, are eligible, with 2.3 million voting for the first time. Despite a previous surge in mail-in votes due to the pandemic, a decline is expected this year. The election's outcome will shape how Germany tackles critical challenges like economic growth, digitalization, and energy costs.