Upcoming German Elections: What You Need too Know
Table of Contents
Election Day Approaches
On Sunday, February 23, Germans will head to the polls in an election that has been rescheduled from its original date in September 2025. This early election is set to shape the future of Germany’s political landscape.
Recap of the Last Elections
The last Bundestag elections were held on September 26, 2021. The social Democrats (SPD) emerged as the largest party, securing approximately 25% of the votes. They were closely followed by the Christian Democrats (CDU) and the Christian Social union (CSU) with around 24%, the Greens at 14.8%,the Free Democrats (FDP) at 11.5%, and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) at 10.3%.
Following the elections, the SPD formed a coalition with the Greens and the FDP, leading to Olaf Scholz‘s election as Chancellor in december 2021, marking the end of Angela Merkel’s 16-year tenure.
Who is Eligible to Vote?
To participate in the federal elections, voters must be German citizens aged 18 or older on election day. While the voting age was lowered to 16 for the recent european elections, it remains 18 for the Bundestag.
Voters must have resided in Germany for at least three months after turning 14 and must be registered on the electoral roll. Notably, German citizens living abroad retain their voting rights for 25 years.
According to the Federal Statistical Office, approximately 59.2 million Germans are eligible to vote, out of a total population of about 84 million.Though, around 10 million foreign residents over 18 will not be able to vote due to lack of German citizenship.
Voting Process on Election Day
Polling stations will open at 8:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM on Sunday. Thes stations are typically located in community centers, schools, and other public buildings.Voters should have received a registration confirmation by mail, detailing where and how to vote, including options for mail-in ballots.
Voters will cast two votes: one for a candidate in their local electoral district and another for a political party.
Initial exit polls will be released after the polls close, with updates expected throughout the night and into the following morning. Final results are usually available within a day or two.
Understanding Political Parties
Even if you are not eligible to vote, it is indeed beneficial to familiarize yourself with the political parties and their platforms. For more information, visit the German elections section of our site.
If you are undecided,consider using the Wahl-O-Mat, an online tool designed to help voters align with parties that match their views.
Predictions for the Election Outcome
While the outcome remains uncertain, current polls suggest that the CDU/CSU coalition is likely to secure the highest number of votes, estimated at around 30%. The AfD follows with 20-21%, while the SPD and Greens are projected to recieve 16-17% and 12-14%, respectively.
This positioning could enable the CDU/CSU to lead coalition negotiations, perhaps with the SPD or Greens. Friedrich Merz, the CDU leader, is seen as a strong candidate for the next Chancellor.
Timeline for Government Formation
Forming a new government may take several weeks or even months, as parties engage in negotiations.Given the current global political climate and Germany’s economic challenges, there is a strong desire for stability.
Merz has expressed a goal of reaching an agreement by Easter,wich falls on April 18 this year. He stated,
“If we spend weeks, perhaps months, possibly with party conferences and even polls on members, the period in which this country is without a majority able to govern will be too long for me.”
The longest wait for a new government occurred in 2017, when it took about six months for Merkel’s conservatives to form a coalition with the SPD.
Stay Informed on Election News
To keep up with the latest developments in the german elections, download our app available for both Apple and Android devices. Enable notifications to receive timely updates and analyses in the coming days and weeks.
german Elections 2025: Expert Insights on What You Need to Know
With the upcoming German elections drawing near, Time.news sat down with Dr. Anya Schmidt, a leading political analyst specializing in German politics, to break down the key issues and what to expect on election day.
Time.news: Dr. Schmidt,thanks for joining us.The German elections have been rescheduled to February 23rd. Why an early election, and what’s at stake?
Dr. Anya Schmidt: It’s a pleasure to be here. This early election signals important shifts within the German political landscape. While the specific reasons haven’t been explicitly detailed in the article, early elections often point to instability within the existing government, perhaps a breakdown in the governing coalition’s ability to effectively lead. What’s at stake is the future direction of german policy, both domestically and on the global stage.
Time.news: Can you briefly recap the 2021 German elections and the resulting government?
Dr. Anya schmidt: Certainly.In 2021, the social Democrats (SPD) narrowly won, followed closely by the christian Democrats (CDU/CSU). The Green Party, the free Democrats (FDP), and the far-right Choice for Germany (AfD) also secured significant portions of the vote. This led to the SPD, Greens, and FDP forming a coalition, with Olaf Scholz becoming Chancellor, ending Angela Merkel’s long run.
Time.news: Who is eligible to vote in the upcoming German elections?
Dr. Anya Schmidt: To vote in the Bundestag elections, you must be a German citizen, 18 years or older on election day, have resided in Germany for at least three months after turning 14, and be registered on the electoral roll. A key point to remember: German citizens living abroad can still vote for 25 years after moving. It’s crucial to note that while the voting age was lowered for European elections, it remains at 18 for the Bundestag.
Time.news: The article mentions around 10 million foreign residents won’t be able to vote. How does this influence the election outcome?
dr. Anya Schmidt: That’s a substantial portion of the population excluded from participating. Their absence can skew the political priorities addressed by the parties, perhaps leading to policies that may not fully represent the needs of everyone residing within Germany. It’s a point of ongoing debate within Germany regarding inclusivity and depiction.
Time.news: Can you explain the voting process on Election Day? What should voters expect?
Dr. Anya Schmidt: Polling stations are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunday. Voters typically receive a registration confirmation by mail,detailing their polling location and options for mail-in ballots. Each voter casts two votes: one for a candidate in their local district and another for a political party. Expect initial exit polls immediately after the polls close, with results trickling in through the night. Final results are usually available within a day or two.
Time.news: The article highlights the “Wahl-O-Mat.” Can you explain this tool and why it’s useful?
Dr. Anya Schmidt: The Wahl-O-Mat is an invaluable tool for voters, especially those who are undecided. It presents a series of statements on various policy issues, and based on your agreement or disagreement, it matches you with the political parties whose views align most closely with yours.It’s a fantastic way to gain a better understanding of the different party platforms.
Time.news: What are the current predictions for the German election outcome?
Dr. Anya Schmidt: Current polls suggest that the CDU/CSU coalition is likely to secure the highest number of votes. The AfD is projected to follow, with the SPD and Greens receiving lower percentages. This places the CDU/CSU in a strong position to lead coalition negotiations, potentially with the SPD or Greens.
Time.news: Who are the key figures to watch in thes German elections?
Dr. anya Schmidt: Friedrich Merz, the CDU leader, is definitely a key figure. He’s viewed as a strong candidate for the next Chancellor and is determined to form a stable government quickly.
Time.news: How long might it take to form a new German government after the election?
Dr. Anya Schmidt: Government formation can take weeks, even months, as parties engage in intense negotiations. The article highlights that the longest wait occurred in 2017, taking about six months. Merz has publicly stated his hope for an agreement by Easter, emphasizing the urgent need for stability given the current global political climate and Germany’s economic challenges.
Time.news: Any final words of advice for our readers as they follow the German elections?
Dr. Anya Schmidt: Stay informed! Download the Time.news app, enable notifications, and follow reliable news sources to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and analyses. Understanding the different political parties, their platforms, and the potential coalition scenarios is crucial for understanding what the future may hold for Germany. Pay attention to the discussions on key topics and compare your own opinions using tools like the Wahl-O-Mat. The German elections are a critical moment for the country, and being informed is the best way to appreciate the process.
Time.news: Dr. Schmidt, thank you for your insightful analysis!