Germany’s Election Frenzy: Last-Minute Battle as Far-Right Surge Shakes Europe

With just hours before Germany heads to the polls, the country’s top political contenders are making their final, high-stakes push for votes in what has become one of the most unpredictable elections in recent history.

Friedrich Merz, the conservative frontrunner and leader of the Christian Democrats (CDU), closed his campaign with a rally in Munich, promising a decisive return to leadership in Europe. His main mission? To restore economic stability and push the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) back into political irrelevance.

Meanwhile, his opponents are gearing up for a final televised “speed-dating” showdown with voters—one last chance to sway Germany’s massive bloc of undecided citizens, who could still flip the election’s outcome.

But this race isn’t just about who will run Germany—it’s about the direction of Europe itself. As the EU’s largest economy, Germany’s choice of leadership will send shockwaves far beyond its borders, shaping the future of the continent’s economy, security policies, and political stability.

A Nation on Edge: Economic Turmoil and Security Fears Dominate the Campaign

This election comes after months of political paralysis following the collapse of the previous government, leaving Germany in limbo while recession fears loom large. Economic recovery has been a central theme of the campaign, with parties scrambling to present solutions for struggling industries, inflation, and energy crises.

But beyond the economy, a string of violent attacks across Germany has thrust migration and national security to the forefront of political debates.

Cities like Mannheim, Solingen, Magdeburg, Aschaffenburg, and Munich have witnessed brutal incidents, intensifying calls for tougher immigration policies. Just last night, a Spanish tourist was stabbed at Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial in an attack police believe was motivated by antisemitism. Though the victim survived, the chilling event has only heightened concerns about rising violence and extremism.

AfD’s Meteoric Rise: A Political Earthquake in the Making?

Once a fringe party, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has surged in popularity, polling at around 20%—a potential game-changer that could see them doubling their presence in parliament to 150 seats.

Led by Alice Weidel, the AfD has built its momentum through aggressive nationalism, anti-immigration rhetoric, and a sharp social media strategy. Weidel has dominated TikTok, amassing 870,000 followers, and received unexpected endorsements from high-profile figures like billionaire Elon Musk and U.S. Vice President JD Vance. However, Vance’s support has triggered accusations of foreign interference in Germany’s democratic process.

The AfD’s use of the term “remigration”—a controversial concept associated with mass deportations—has sparked major protests. In Solingen, where a Syrian migrant was accused of killing three people last August, demonstrators rallied against the party’s rise.

“We have friends who were born and raised here but whose parents weren’t,” said Natalie, a 35-year-old protester. “We don’t want them kicked out. We don’t want our borders slammed shut.”

As tensions rise, police have increased security measures across Germany, with officials warning of potential attacks aimed at destabilizing the election process.

Who Will Govern? A Political Puzzle with No Easy Answers

While mainstream parties have vowed not to work with the AfD, their growing influence has left Germany’s political landscape in turmoil. No party is expected to win an outright majority, meaning coalition negotiations could drag on for weeks.

Merz’s CDU is eyeing a potential partnership with the center-left Social Democrats (SPD), but Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s party is struggling in third place. Scholz, facing dismal polling numbers, is banking on the estimated 20% of undecided voters to turn things around.

“The only way to guarantee a strong government is with a strong SPD,” Scholz warned in his final campaign message.

With Germany’s future—and Europe’s political stability—on the line, all eyes are on Sunday’s election. Will the country choose stability, or are we witnessing the rise of a new far-right force that could redefine European politics?

The countdown has begun.