Germany Votes Amid Economic Struggles, Immigration Debate

Germany is gearing up for a pivotal national election marked by rising support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and a potential return to power for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) led by Friedrich Merz. The campaign has been shaped by intense debates around immigration, with Merz advocating for stricter border controls and a crackdown on irregular immigration, contrasting sharply with the previous policies of Angela Merkel. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) have also promised to tighten immigration laws, albeit in a more humane manner. The AfD, now polling around 21%, is expected to become the second-largest political force, igniting discussions about Germany's historical responsibility and the implications of its anti-immigration stance. Economic concerns are high on voters' minds, as living standards decline alongside confidence in recovery. The outcome of the election could reshape Germany's political landscape, with coalition negotiations likely to be complex due to the fragmented party system.