Germany votes in election focused on economy migration and far-right rise

Germany is holding an election on February 23, 2025, amid concerns about economic stagnation, migration issues, and the future of Ukraine. No party is expected to gain an absolute majority, leading to potential coalition negotiations. The center-right Union bloc, led by Friedrich Merz, is favored to win, while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is polling at around 20%, its highest ever. The Social Democrats, led by outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz, are projected to receive their worst postwar result. Scholz's coalition collapsed in November, prompting this early election. Merz has promised stability and stricter immigration policies, while mainstream parties continue to support Ukraine amid ongoing military challenges.