Germans Are Voting. Here’s What to Watch For.

Germany is gearing up for a pivotal election as Germans head to the polls to choose their next leader. The election, scheduled for September 26, is set to determine who will succeed Angela Merkel as the country’s chancellor after her 16-year tenure.

As the race heats up, here are some key things to watch for in this historic election:

1. The race for chancellor: The two main contenders for the chancellorship are Armin Laschet of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Olaf Scholz of the Social Democratic Party (SPD). Laschet, who currently serves as the Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia, is seen as Merkel’s preferred successor. However, Scholz, who is currently the Vice Chancellor and Minister of Finance in Merkel’s coalition government, has been gaining momentum in recent polls. The race between these two candidates is expected to be tight, and the outcome will have far-reaching implications for Germany and the European Union.

2. The rise of the Green Party: The Green Party, led by Annalena Baerbock, is experiencing a surge in popularity in this election. The party’s focus on climate change and environmental issues has resonated with voters, particularly younger Germans who are increasingly concerned about the future of the planet. The Greens are currently polling in third place, behind the CDU/CSU and SPD, but their performance in this election could have a significant impact on the country’s political landscape.

3. The impact of the pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic has dominated the political agenda in Germany for the past year and a half. How the government has handled the crisis, including its vaccination rollout and economic response, will likely be a key factor in this election. Voters will be looking to see which candidate they trust to lead the country out of the pandemic and into a post-COVID future.

4. Coalition building: With no single party expected to win an outright majority in this election, coalition building will be crucial. The most likely scenario is a coalition government involving two or more parties, which could potentially lead to a shift in the country’s political direction. The negotiations to form a coalition could take weeks or even months, and the outcome will shape the future of Germany’s government.

5. Voter turnout: Voter turnout will also be a key factor in this election. With a record number of Germans casting their ballots by mail due to the pandemic, it remains to be seen how many people will show up to vote in person on election day. A high turnout could favor the more established parties, while a lower turnout could benefit smaller parties or the anti-establishment Alternative for Germany (AfD).

As Germans head to the polls, all eyes will be on the outcome of this election and its implications for the country and the European Union. The choice of Germany’s next leader will shape the future of one of Europe’s most influential countries, and the world will be watching closely to see how it all unfolds.