Germany Prepares for February 2025 Elections as CDU's Merz Leads

Germany is poised for a significant political shift as voters head to the polls on February 23, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats trailing behind the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) led by Friedrich Merz, who is favored to win. Merz has criticized Scholz's handling of the economy and has put forth a conservative economic agenda that aims to revitalize Germany's economic model. Despite his tougher stance on immigration, Merz insists he will not collaborate with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, emphasizing that they contradict the values of the CDU. Meanwhile, analysts express skepticism about whether a new leadership will truly alter Germany's economic trajectory, suggesting that the CDU's proposed reforms may lack specificity. The election is also marked by heated debates around immigration, with Merz advocating for a national cultural conformity from immigrant communities. As the election approaches, the implications for both Germany's domestic policies and its role in Europe are becoming increasingly critical.