Germany’s Political Landscape in Turmoil as Election Nears: With Germany’s pivotal national election just weeks away, political tensions have reached a boiling point. Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) delivered a sharp blow to any prospect of reviving the nation’s traditional grand coalition, publicly declaring that he “can’t trust” Friedrich Merz, leader of the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
Scholz’s unprecedented remarks followed a contentious vote in the Bundestag, where the CDU successfully pushed through a nonbinding motion allowing for the potential turning back of asylum-seekers at Germany’s borders. The motion narrowly passed with 348 votes in favor and 344 against, a victory only possible due to the backing of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the fiscally conservative Free Democrats (FDP).
Calling the move a “historic breach of taboo,” Scholz accused Merz and his party of betraying Germany’s long-standing political norms by “deliberately accepting” the support of the far-right.
“The consensus that democratic parties do not cooperate with the extreme right was broken today,” Scholz said in a late-night interview with German public broadcaster ARD. “Merz had repeatedly assured that this wouldn’t happen. That’s why I can’t trust him anymore, although I did a week ago.”
For years, Germany’s mainstream political parties have maintained a strict policy of isolating the AfD, refusing coalitions or even informal cooperation. This “firewall” approach aimed to prevent the normalization of the far-right party, which has been criticized for its anti-immigration stance, Euroskepticism, and controversial rhetoric about Germany’s Nazi past.
The CDU’s decision to rely on AfD votes to advance its asylum policy motion shattered this long-standing barrier, sparking outrage among political leaders and civil society. The AfD, which has steadily gained support in recent years, now polls as the second-strongest political force in some regions, particularly in eastern Germany.
Scholz described the vote as a dangerous precedent that could embolden extremists. “What happened today must not become the norm. Democratic parties should stand united against forces that seek to undermine our democracy,” he warned.
Friedrich Merz, who has led the CDU since 2021, finds himself under intense scrutiny. Throughout his leadership, Merz has promised to keep the AfD at arm’s length, positioning his party as a bulwark of democratic values. However, his apparent willingness to collaborate with the far-right to push through the asylum motion has raised questions about his integrity and political strategy.
Merz defended the decision, arguing that the CDU was focused solely on national security and border control. “This was about a common-sense approach to asylum policy, not about who voted alongside us,” he said during a press conference.
However, critics, including former CDU members, have accused Merz of sacrificing principles for political expediency. “Aligning with the AfD, even indirectly, is a betrayal of everything the CDU has stood for since its founding,” said political analyst Helene Kramer.
Germany is now on the brink of one of its most unpredictable elections in recent memory. The CDU currently leads in national polls, making Merz the frontrunner to form the next government. But with no party likely to secure an outright majority, coalition negotiations will be critical.
In previous elections, the CDU and SPD have often formed grand coalitions to provide stable governance, most recently under former Chancellor Angela Merkel from 2013 to 2021. However, Scholz’s blunt rejection of such an alliance suggests that this option may no longer be viable.
“My goal now is to prevent a majority of CDU and AfD at all costs,” Scholz said, hinting at the possibility of a fragmented parliament and prolonged coalition talks.
Political analysts believe that if Scholz remains steadfast in his stance, Germany could face weeks or even months of political gridlock.
The current coalition between the SPD, the Greens, and the FDP — nicknamed the “traffic light” coalition due to their party colors — could theoretically continue. However, tensions between the FDP and the other partners make this unlikely.
Merz may seek a coalition with the FDP and the Greens, though the Greens have expressed reluctance to work with a party that cooperates with the AfD.
Scholz could attempt to form a coalition with the Greens and the Left Party (Die Linke), though the latter’s declining support and internal divisions pose challenges.
If coalition talks fail, Germany could see its first minority government since World War II, relying on ad hoc agreements to pass legislation.
The CDU’s controversial move has sparked broader debates about the future of German politics. As the AfD continues to gain traction, mainstream parties face mounting pressure to adapt their strategies.
“Germany is at a crossroads,” said political scientist Dr. Andreas Müller. “The firewall against the far right is cracking, and parties must decide whether to reinforce it or abandon it altogether. The outcome of this election will shape the country’s political trajectory for years to come.”
The CDU’s decision to cooperate with the AfD has provoked a strong response from civil society. Protests erupted in major cities, with demonstrators calling for the preservation of democratic norms.
“Germany’s democracy was built on the rejection of extremism,” said protest organizer Anna Becker in Berlin. “We cannot let that foundation be eroded.”
Meanwhile, opinion polls show a polarized electorate. While some conservative voters support the CDU’s hardline stance on asylum policy, many others are disillusioned by its willingness to work with the far right.
As Germany approaches its February 23 election, the political landscape remains volatile. Scholz’s decision to rule out a grand coalition with the CDU underscores the deepening divisions within the country’s political establishment.
With trust between the nation’s leading parties shattered, voters are left facing a fragmented and uncertain future. As political leaders navigate this turbulent landscape, one thing is clear: the election will be a defining moment for Germany’s democracy.
