FRANKFURT: Germany has officially scheduled its next federal elections for September 28, 2025, as announced by the government on Wednesday, in line with the nation’s constitutional four-year interval for parliamentary elections.
The decision was confirmed following a cabinet agreement, with plans to recommend the date to President Frank-Walter Steinmeier for final approval, as reported by the government press office and DPA newswire.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz, from the Social Democratic Party (SPD), has declared his intention to seek reelection despite facing significant challenges. In recent polls, Scholz’s coalition, which includes the Greens and the pro-business Free Democratic Party (FDP), received a severe setback in the European Parliament elections held in June. The SPD recorded its lowest national vote result in over a century.
Currently, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party (CSU) lead in polling, commanding around 31% of voter support. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) follows closely with approximately 17%, leaving the ruling coalition parties trailing.
Friedrich Merz, a prominent figure within the CDU, emerges as a strong contender against Scholz in the upcoming elections. A recent survey conducted by the Allensbach Institute indicated that 64% of respondents favored Merz as Germany’s next chancellor, signaling a challenging road ahead for Scholz, who garnered support from only 33% of respondents.
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Scholz remains optimistic about reversing the coalition’s fortunes before the 2025 elections, despite internal strife and delays in policy implementation that have plagued his government since its formation following the 2021 election. Issues ranging from responses to Russia’s actions in Ukraine to domestic policy on energy transitions have strained coalition unity.
Addressing concerns about his own popularity within the SPD, Scholz acknowledged the dissatisfaction but affirmed his commitment to demonstrating effective governance through decisive actions and clear communication.
Scholz outlined the government’s focus on stimulating industrial growth, citing recent investments in semiconductor and pharmaceutical sectors as pivotal to economic recovery efforts. However, challenges persist as Germany’s economy faces contraction, with manufacturing output declining in July according to the S&P Global eurozone manufacturing purchasing managers index.
