Germany Faces Political and Economic Crossroads Ahead of Pivotal Election

As Germany grapples with rising far-right influence and economic stagnation, voters prepare to decide the nation's direction in its most consequential election since reunification.

The upcoming February 23 federal election is widely regarded as Germany's most significant since 1990, with far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) poised to become the second-largest party.
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Friedrich Merz, has faced backlash for cooperating with the AfD on stricter asylum laws, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic norms.
Germany's economy, once a global powerhouse, is struggling with prolonged stagnation, structural weaknesses, and challenges in adapting to modern technologies like AI and digital industries.
Church leaders have criticized mainstream parties for aligning with the far-right, warning of risks to democracy and urging a focus on protecting human dignity and social cohesion.
The election comes as geopolitical tensions rise, with debates over Germany's role in supporting Ukraine and the need for increased defense spending to counter Russian aggression.