Overview

• The Bundestag election was moved up to February 23, 2025, after the previous coalition government collapsed, leading Chancellor Olaf Scholz to lose a confidence vote.
• Polling stations opened at 8:00 AM, with over 59 million Germans eligible to vote; early reports show mixed voter turnout trends across regions.
• Key issues in the election include coalition-building challenges, as smaller parties like the Left, FDP, and the newly formed BSW aim to secure parliamentary representation.
• Recent polling indicates the CDU/CSU leads with 29%, followed by the AfD at 21%, while the SPD and Greens trail at 15% and 13%, respectively.
• The election outcome is expected to significantly influence Germany's future policies on migration, economic reform, and climate change.