Polling shows Germany's 2025 election will bring a shift, but not a far-right leader
CBS2 days
Germany Prepares for Sunday's Election
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Above: A sign indicating the way to the postal vote count is pictured in Dortmund, Germany, on Feb. 21, 2025, ahead of the parliamentary elections due to take place on Feb. 23, 2025. Image copyright: Ina Fassbender/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
As Germany approaches its parliamentary elections on Sunday, polls have placed the center-right CDU leading with 28% and the right-wing AfD at 21%, while the liberal SPD and Greens trail at 16% and 14%, respectively. Another poll earlier this month gave the CDU 29% and the AfD 22%.
The election campaign has been dominated by concerns over immigration, particularly following recent terrorist attacks, including incidents in Solingen, Aschaffenburg, and Magdeburg that resulted in multiple casualties.
CDU leader Friedrich Merz has promised to increase defense spending to €80-€90B (US$83.6B-$94.1B) annually after 2028, maintain support for Ukraine, and tighten immigration policies, including border closures and asylum rejections. He's also promised not to work with the AfD.
The Spin
Left narrative
The CDU's projected win is a chance for renewal. Friedrich Merz can steer Germany toward economic recovery and sensible immigration policies, countering the AfD’s racist surge. His firm stance against Trump’s bullying, alongside his focus on strengthening Ukraine and the EU, signals a proactive future. By rejecting AfD extremism while addressing voter concerns, the CDU will build a confident, united Germany.
Right narrative
Despite the government-controlled media narrative, the pro-freedom party is the AfD. Not only does the government overtly censor the German people and arrest them for speaking their minds, but the recent MCC report suggests there's a much larger, secret operation at hand. The German people want better immigration, energy, and economic policies — they're just not allowed to say it.
