Germany Prepares for 2025 Bundestag Election After Government Collapse

The February 23 election follows the breakdown of the Scholz-led coalition, with new voting rules and a reshaped political landscape.

The election was triggered by Chancellor Olaf Scholz losing a confidence vote in December 2024 after the FDP exited the coalition government.
The 2025 Bundestag election introduces a reformed voting system that caps the number of parliamentary seats at 630, eliminating overhang and compensatory mandates.
Polling data suggests the CDU/CSU leads with 29-34%, followed by the AfD at 20-22%, and the SPD at 15-17%, while smaller parties face challenges meeting the 5% threshold.
Key election issues include economic competitiveness, climate policy, migration, and social security, reflecting voter priorities across the country.
Over 59 million citizens are eligible to vote, with logistical adjustments made for the early election date and increased emphasis on brief and early voting options.