Germany Votes in Pivotal 2025 Bundestag Election

As polls open, Germans face a reformed voting system, potential political shifts, and possibly lengthy coalition talks.

Polling stations opened at 8 AM for approximately 59 million eligible voters, with results expected after 6 PM when voting ends.
The election features a new voting system aimed at capping the Bundestag at 630 seats by eliminating overhang and compensation mandates.
Current polls suggest the CDU/CSU leads with 28-32%, followed by the AfD at 20-21%, while SPD and Greens trail further behind.
Key political figures and parties face critical junctures, with potential career impacts for leaders like Friedrich Merz, Olaf Scholz, and Sahra Wagenknecht.
Pro-democracy demonstrations occurred across Germany, while concerns were raised about voting accessibility for Germans abroad and disinformation campaigns linked to Russia.