Germany prepares for crucial parliamentary vote that will shape European response to U.S. administration

Germany is set to vote for a new parliament on Sunday, which will influence the country's governance for the next four years. This election comes amid a changing U.S. administration and ongoing challenges in Ukraine. Four main candidates are competing: incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Friedrich Merz from the Christian Democratic Union, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck from the Greens, and Alice Weidel from the far-right AfD. Polls indicate Merz's party is leading, but coalition negotiations will be necessary. The election is crucial as Germany's new government will address economic issues and migration. The vote was moved up due to the collapse of Scholz's coalition in November. A new government is expected to be formed by mid-April.