Germany prepares for elections as AfD gains support from high-profile figures

Germans will vote on February 23 to elect a new government after the coalition led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz collapsed in November. The hard-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is polling second at 21%, behind the Christian Democrats at 30%. The elections follow economic struggles linked to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which caused conflicts within the previous government. Twenty-nine parties are competing for 630 seats, but only a few are expected to gain representation. The AfD's rise is notable, as it has gained support from figures like U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Elon Musk. The party promotes anti-immigration and anti-EU policies, challenging the long-standing consensus to exclude extreme right parties from government.