Upcoming German Election Expected to Shift Politics Rightward

Germany's national election on February 23 is poised to shift the political landscape to the right, with the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leading the polls, while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is gaining notable support. The ruling Social Democrats (SPD), led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, have seen a significant drop in popularity, now trailing behind both CDU and AfD. The election follows the collapse of Scholz's coalition government, leading to a snap vote where four primary candidates, including Friedrich Merz (CDU), Olaf Scholz (SPD), Robert Habeck (Greens), and Alice Weidel (AfD), are competing for chancellorship. The AfD's rise is attributed to public discontent over immigration and economic issues, despite mainstream parties' refusal to form coalitions with them. Analysts are concerned that if the AfD becomes the second-largest party, it could signify a fundamental shift in Germany's post-war political landscape, raising alarms about its implications for democracy. Observers note that this surge in support for far-right parties reflects a broader trend across Europe amid rising populist sentiments.