PoliticsGermany

German politics — some basics

Germany is holding early elections on February 23, 2025. Here is some background on parties, candidates and election procedures.

German Politics | Themenseite | Bundestag und Symbolbilder — Image: K. Steinkamp/blickwinkel/IMAGO

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Reports & Analysis

German election 2025: What's in the party programs?

Immigration and the economy dominate the political debate in the run-up to the general election on February 23.

A quick guide to German elections

How does the electoral process work in Germany? DW presents a quick guide.

Who are Germany's top candidates in the 2025 election?

Germany's political parties have selected their top candidates for the February 23 snap election. Here is the lineup.

A guide to Germany's political parties

Here's a who's who of German political parties.

CDU leader Friedrich Merz wants the chancellery

Despite recent controversy, conservative CDU head Friedrich Merz is confident he will head Germany's next government.

German election: Who is the Green Party's Robert Habeck?

Green Party candidate for chancellor Robert Habeck is one of Germany's best-known politicians. He has many enemies.

German economy in crisis: What can the next government do?

Two years into a recession, German businesses are demanding an overhaul of economic policy after February's election.

Who can and can't vote in Germany's 2025 election?

Millions of people who live in Germany but don't hold German citizenship won't be able to vote on February 23.

Can anyone contest the German election results?

All Germans eligible to vote can also contest a national election result — and some do. DW tells you how it works.

Germany: What is the 'AfD firewall'?

In a breach of the "firewall" on working with the far right, conservatives have passed a strict immigration motion.

Germany's colorful coalition shorthand

Germany's colorful coalition shorthand

German election: Who are the small parties striving for votes?

Here are some of the renegades, revolutionaries and single-issue campaigners vying for votes on February 23.

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US Vice President JD Vance is to attend this year's MSC. It could be an uncomfortable meeting for the Europeans.

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