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Pakistani army: 6 soldiers and 7 militants killed in clash near the Afghan border
Israeli media: Sirens sound in the settlement of Kerem Shalom in the Gaza envelope area
Afghan source to Al Mayadeen: We still believe in dialogue and prioritize diplomatic solutions with Pakistan; though we are ready for all possibilities.
Afghan source to Al Mayadeen: Pakistan purposely obstructed negotiations in Turkey by making unrealistic demands.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: More than 70 martyrs in Israeli attacks on Gaza since dawn.
Death toll from latest Israeli strikes on Gaza rises to 30
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Hamas confirms that it has no connection to the shooting incident in Rafah and affirms its commitment to the ceasefire agreement
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Al Mayadeen's correspondent: An Israeli airstrike targets the vicinity of Al-Shifa Medical Complex, west of Gaza City

Germany votes as Conservatives lead, AfD gains ground

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 22 Feb 2025 23:33
3 Min Read

At an AfD rally in Berlin, party supporter Julian Adrat expressed optimism about the election, saying, "I'm very confident and, no matter how it turns out, we still have room for improvement."

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  • The sun sets behind the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, one day ahead of the German election. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)
    The sun sets behind the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, one day ahead of the German election (AP Photo/Michael Probst)

AFP on Saturday reported that German politicians made a final push for votes ahead of Sunday's crucial elections, where the conservative CDU/CSU bloc, led by Friedrich Merz, is expected to win despite the rapid rise of the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD).

The election comes amid political and economic uncertainty in Europe's largest economy, as US President Donald Trump has disrupted the Western stance on the Ukraine war by seeking closer ties with Russia.

Trump's threats of a trade war have further raised concerns about Germany's struggling economy, which has been in recession for the past two years.

Read more: Germany's faces longest post-war recession, report finds

Speaking to a crowd in Munich, Friedrich Merz expressed confidence in a conservative victory, declaring, "Tomorrow we will win the elections and then the nightmare of this government will be over." He vowed to be a "strong voice" in Europe during turbulent times.

Far-Right Surge

Related News

AfD surges to record 27% support, overtaking Germany's ruling bloc

AfD accuses Merz government of dividing Germany on Unity Day

The election campaign has been heavily influenced by security concerns and social polarization following a series of violent attacks, including Friday's stabbing at Berlin's Holocaust Memorial, allegedly motivated by anti-Semitism.

These incidents have fueled public anger over immigration and security policies, boosting the AfD's popularity to 20% in the polls, placing it in second place behind the conservatives.

The AfD has received support from Trump's inner circle, including tech billionaire Elon Musk and Vice President JD Vance.

At an AfD rally in Berlin, party supporter Julian Adrat expressed optimism about the election, saying, "I'm very confident and, no matter how it turns out, we still have room for improvement."

Read more: Scholz criticizes opposition for collaboration with AfD

Collapse of Scholz's Coalition

The election is being held six months ahead of schedule following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition with the Greens and pro-business FDP in November. Scholz's Social Democrats are polling at around 15%, trailing behind both the conservatives and the AfD.

Merz has ruled out a coalition with the AfD but is expected to seek alliances with the Social Democrats or the Greens to form a government. He declared confidently, "The left is over... There is no left majority and no left politics anymore in Germany."

He pledged to tighten immigration, cut welfare benefits, and restore Germany's influence in the European Union, adding that "Europe must become stronger again and Germany must become more involved in the European Union."

  • AFD
  • Friedrich Merz
  • German elections
  • Germany
  • Alternative for Germany party (AfD)

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