Overview

The early Bundestag election is scheduled for February 23, 2025. This live blog will cover the electoral campaign leading up to the election.

The election, originally set for September, was moved forward due to the collapse of the traffic light coalition in November 2024 and a failed confidence vote for Chancellor Olaf Scholz in December.

This marks the 21st German Bundestag election and the first early election since 2005.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz is seeking re-election, while CDU leader Friedrich Merz is the candidate for the Union. Robert Habeck is running for the Green Party for the second time, and Alice Weidel is the AfD's first-ever female candidate for chancellor.

For comprehensive coverage of the Bundestag election, please visit our dedicated section.

Key Updates41 Parties Approved for Election

As of today, a total of 41 parties have been authorized to participate in the upcoming Bundestag election. This announcement was made by the Federal Returning Officer after an evaluation during the public session of the Federal Electoral Committee held on January 13 and 14. Out of 56 parties that applied for participation, only 41 met the formal requirements.

In the previous Bundestag election held in September 2021, 47 parties participated, with the committee initially allowing 53 parties. Among the 41 approved parties are the seven currently represented in the Bundestag as well as three parties that hold representation in at least one state parliament (BSW, Bündnis Deutschland, Free Voters). These ten parties were exempt from submitting supporting signatures.

The remaining 31 parties were required to submit signatures with their election proposals. This group includes notable parties such as the Animal Protection Party, Volt, the Marxist-Leninist Party of Germany, and the Party for Youth Research. Additionally, the Values Union and the far-right Free Saxons have also been allowed to participate in the election.

Concerns Over AfD's Rise

Berlin's governing mayor, Kai Wegner, has expressed concerns that this election might be the last opportunity for democratic parties to prevent the AfD from becoming the strongest political force. He emphasized the importance of effectively utilizing this chance, stating that the next election in 2029 could pose a significant challenge if the forthcoming government fails to regain voter trust.

Merz Opposes Industry Risks in Climate Policy

Friedrich Merz, the CDU candidate for chancellor, has dismissed the idea of phasing out coal and gas for climate protection if it jeopardizes the German industry. He affirmed his commitment to climate protection but insisted that it should not undermine industrial stability in Germany.

Legal Investigations Against AfD

The AfD's campaign in Karlsruhe has triggered police investigations due to allegations of incitement against a group. The party distributed flyers resembling flight tickets labeled as "deportation tickets," urging "illegal immigrants" to leave the country. The federal party has distanced itself from this action.

Scholz Responds to Trump's Defense Spending Demands

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has stated that meeting the U.S. President's recent call for a defense spending target of five percent of GDP is unrealistic. He reiterated Germany's commitment to the NATO target of two percent while emphasizing the need for a responsible fiscal approach.

Voting Notification Process Begins

Starting today, voting notifications are being mailed out, enabling citizens to request postal voting. The materials, including ballots, will be sent out by early February. Given the tight timeline for returning voting documents, it is crucial for all parties involved, including municipalities and postal services, to collaborate effectively.

Search for Election Helpers Intensifies

Approximately 650,000 volunteers are needed as election helpers for the voting day across Germany. Many cities are facing challenges in securing enough volunteers, with some, like Trier, still in need of around 1,000 helpers. Various incentives, including higher compensation, are being explored to encourage participation.