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On Sunday, the German federal elections will not determine the future of the largest economy in Europe, but also expectations for the entire continent because it is struggling with existential questions, after the Trump administration made it clear that US security guarantees will not last “forever.”

The coalition government collapsed by Chancellor Olaf Schuls in November amid a severe debate on how to deal with a shortage of about 17 billion euros in the 2025 budget, some of which are linked to additional support for Ukraine in its battle against the invasion of Russia.

Friedrich Mirz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union in the center (CDU), is the candidate that becomes the next German leader. His party He leads in polls It is preparing to win about 30 percent of the votes.

The far-right alternative to Germany (AFD)-which is under investigation by the country’s intelligence service on the potential tendencies to combat democracy-on its way to obtaining a 20 percent record of national votes. Social Democrats in the SPD (SPD), who ranked first in 2021, is leaving third.

The options for forming the next German government may reach the number of three secondary parties that remain and the number of votes that go to the marginal parties that will not be represented in Parliament.

Free Liberal Democrats (FDP) and the far -left party are fighting Linke and Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), in order to secure the minimum of 5 percent of the sounds needed to enter Bundestag.

The more votes that go to the parties not represented in Parliament, the more seats that the largest parties won for each vote, which facilitates the formation of a two -party alliance. If an alliance of three or more parties of the smaller parties is needed, a three -party alliance may be needed to form a government.

On Sunday, Germany is wrestling with the effects of shrinking economic activity for two consecutive years. Each party pledged to push the economic recovery, while providing various treatments in a flagrant way how to do this.

Immigration also appeared prominently in the election campaigns after a series of deadly attacks by immigrants. AFD, which takes a solid line on immigration, has been moved through the increasing international support, including from X and Trump’s main consultant Elon Musk.

Who are the main parties and what are their main policies?

The decrease in the popularity of the main parties in Germany has increased the AFD rise, which will likely lead to a more aggressive parliament.

The right -wing extremist party is expected to become the second largest in Bundestag for the first time in the post -war history in the country. All other major parties were excluded as a team with AFD- forming the so-called protection wall that US Vice President JD Vance Critic last week At the Munich Security Conference.

Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU)

Christian Democrats in Mirz are in the strongest position heading to Sunday elections, according to opinion polls. The party plans to form corporate tax by 25 percent, cancel the income tax for senior papers and introduce permanent border controls.

Social Democratic Party (SPD)

SPD has pledged to increase taxes on the wealthy, which is the minimum wage of 15 euros and adhering to stable pensions. Last year, Schults proposed an investment in infrastructure worth 100 billion euros to repair the neglected infrastructure in the country, including Railway struggling As part of a “new industrial agenda”. He also called for “Made in Germany” to stimulate corporate investments.

Vegetable

The Greens have made sustainable investments a major policy of their campaign and pressed for incentives to accelerate Germany’s move away from fossil fuels. The party is also keen to reduce the country Debt brake He also called for “reasonable” changes on the base.

An alternative to Germany (AFD)

Founded in 2013 in protest against the saving of Greece during the eurozone crisis, AFD has stimulated the far right in recent years, prompting even Rassamplement National from Marine Le Pen to avoid the party.

Other parties

Three other parties can be decisive for the political scene after the federal elections in Germany if they secure sufficient votes to pass the minimum of 5 percent or to win three states directly.

How do the elections work?

After the past two jackets, it resulted in Merotated parliaments With more than 700 members, this will be the first time that the number of deputies is crowned in 630. The winners of the periodic vote for the first broadcast (FirstIt is only elected if their party acquires a sufficient share of the proportional party vote (Vote) In their case.

The electoral system in Germany combines proportional representation and the aspects of the first river system, with 299 seats directly linked to local circles. A 5 percent threshold is waived from any party that wins three of these direct states.

What happens after the voting ends?

On Sunday night, the initial results will be a good early indication of the voting results.

Once Bundestag is known, the parties will enter alliance talks, which often last for several months. The Schulz government officially took office in December 2021 – two and a half months after the elections.

The parties that form the next German government will need the union behind a joint platform, policy priorities and leadership structure. The differences on how to deal with the shortage of 2025 budget was the main cause of the collapse of the Sholls government, and it is not clear how the potential alliance between CDU/CSU with SPD and/or vegetables will overcome financial restrictions.

Carolina Vargas design; Data depict the data for Gonathan Vincent and Martin Stap