With the federal election just around the corner, the political battlefield in Germany is intensifying. As the clock ticks down, key political figures are making their final appeals to voters, especially in the crucial state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), the country’s most populous region.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and his main rival, Friedrich Merz (CDU), were both on the campaign trail Friday evening, addressing crowds and rallying support. The stakes are high, with polls indicating a significant number of undecided voters—potential game-changers in what is shaping up to be a tightly contested election.
Scholz Calls for a Strong SPD to Block the AfD
Speaking in Dortmund, Scholz reinforced the Social Democratic Party’s (SPD) stance on forming a government capable of steering clear of any alignment with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). To enthusiastic supporters, he stressed the importance of a robust SPD that could lead the next government.
“Convince those who are still undecided,” Scholz urged, emphasizing the necessity of securing every last vote in these final hours.
Merz Criticizes Greens and Pledges Economic Revival
Meanwhile, in Oberhausen, Merz directed his campaign rhetoric at the Greens, particularly targeting their candidate Robert Habeck. He criticized the current economic policies and pledged that a CDU-led government would restore economic strength and steer Germany out of recession.
“A Ministry of Economic Affairs should be led by someone who understands the economy—not just heat pumps,” Merz quipped, taking a jab at Habeck’s policies. He further argued that Germany must take a stronger leadership role in the European Union, which, according to him, would require economic revival and political stability.
The Undecided Factor: A Race Too Close to Call
As the election nears, voter indecision remains a crucial factor. Recent surveys indicate that approximately 20-22% of eligible voters have yet to finalize their choice. With such a significant portion of the electorate still wavering, parties are doubling down on their efforts to sway public opinion.
Lars Klingbeil, SPD party leader, acknowledged the uncertainty, admitting, “It’s going to be a very close call.” Similarly, CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann emphasized the importance of turnout, stating, “Every vote counts now.”
Polling Trends: The Union Holds the Lead
While polling data varies slightly across different institutes, a general pattern has emerged. The CDU/CSU remains in the lead, polling between 28% and 32%, followed by the AfD at 20% to 21%. The SPD lags behind with 14.5% to 16%, closely trailed by the Greens at 12% to 14%.
Notably, the Left Party has seen a resurgence, polling at 6% to 8%, positioning itself as a potential surprise contender in this election. Meanwhile, the FDP and BSW hover precariously around the 4% to 5% mark, making their entry into the Bundestag uncertain.
Coalition Prospects: A Two-Party Government at Risk
The formation of the next government largely depends on how smaller parties perform. Based on current projections, a two-party coalition between CDU/CSU and SPD is possible, albeit barely. However, the CDU/CSU and Greens combination would likely fall short of a majority. Given these numbers, a three-party coalition may become necessary, which would bring additional challenges in governance and policy-making.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) expressed a cautious stance regarding a potential coalition with CDU/CSU, stating that while democratic parties should remain open to dialogue, she believes the Union lacks forward-thinking policies. “Our goal is to shape the future, not revert to outdated policies,” she asserted.
The Final Stretch: Campaigns Continue Until the Last Moment
As the election weekend unfolds, political parties are making their last push. The CDU/CSU is concluding its campaign in Munich, with key figures Friedrich Merz, Markus Söder, and Alexander Dobrindt addressing supporters. Meanwhile, Scholz is engaging with voters in Potsdam and Brandenburg, rallying SPD campaigners and reinforcing his message.
The final TV debate, set for Saturday evening on ProSieben/Sat1, will feature Scholz, Habeck, and Alice Weidel (AfD), with Merz notably absent. With only hours remaining until Germans cast their ballots, every move by the candidates could tip the scales in this unpredictable race.
