Germany Prepares for Pivotal Election as Rightward Shift Looms

Friedrich Merz's CDU leads polls while far-right AfD gains traction amid concerns over foreign interference.

Germany's early parliamentary elections on February 23 were triggered by the collapse of Olaf Scholz's coalition government in late 2024.
Polls predict Friedrich Merz's CDU to lead with 30% of votes, followed by the far-right AfD at 20%, marking a significant rise for the latter.
Russian disinformation campaigns targeting the elections have been identified, with fake videos undermining trust in the democratic process.
The AfD has received vocal support from figures like Elon Musk and the Trump administration, further polarizing the political landscape.
Challenges await the next government, including stabilizing Germany's economy, addressing immigration concerns, and navigating geopolitical tensions.