Elections for the Bundestag have begun in Germany: who is the frontrunner in the race?

Today in Germany, elections are taking place that will determine the country's political future. Voting will continue until 18:00, after which the counting of votes will begin.

This information is reported by RBK-Ukraine citing El Pais and Politico.

Today, Germany is holding general elections that will shape the country's future political direction. Citizens are voting for representatives in the Bundestag (Federal Parliament) as well as for a new federal chancellor.

Polling stations opened at 8:00 AM local time and will remain open until 18:00. Immediately after their closure, the first exit poll data is expected, providing a preliminary insight into the voting results.

The reason for the early elections is the collapse of the ruling coalition, which consisted of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), the Green Party (Die Grünen), and the Free Democratic Party (FDP). Disagreements among allies, along with a deteriorating economic situation, led to the dissolution of parliament and the announcement of early elections.

The elections are significant not only for forming new leadership in Germany but also for determining the country's course in key areas such as the economy, immigration policy, and its role in the European Union.

The center-right bloc led by Friedrich Merz is confidently leading in the polls, garnering 28-32% support. Merz remains the main contender for the chancellor position, succeeding Olaf Scholz.

Latest Polling Data

A total of 29 parties are participating in the elections, but the main competition is unfolding between the following political forces:

• Christian Democratic Union (CDU) - leader Friedrich Merz. A center-right party that is the favorite in the election race.
• Alternative for Germany (AfD) - leader Alice Weidel. A nationalist, anti-immigrant party that receives significant support, especially in the eastern regions of the country.
• Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) - leader Olaf Scholz, the incumbent federal chancellor, who is attempting to be re-elected for a new term.

According to the latest polls from Politico, the CDU/CSU center-right bloc is leading the election race with around 30% support from voters. The "Alternative for Germany" (AfD) is in second place with 20%, while the SPD is gaining 16%, which could be the party's worst result in the entire post-war history of the country.

It is worth noting that Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz has a strong chance of becoming the next chancellor of Germany. Ahead of the Bundestag elections taking place today, February 23, his party is topping the ratings.