The stage is being set for the highly anticipated 2025 German Federal Election, which will take place on February 23. Throughout Germany, party campaigns are intensifying as political groups vie for the support of the electorate, with significant attention being paid to key constituencies like Hessen and Gießen.
After the Ampel coalition, which consisted of the Social Democrats (SPD), the Greens, and the Free Democrats (FDP), came to power following the 2021 Bundestag elections, the group initially promised progressive reforms under the banner of "More Progress". Key achievements were noted, including the introduction of the Bürgergeld, increases to the minimum wage, and the long-anticipated legalization of cannabis. The coalition also spearheaded significant changes to Germany's defense policy, spurred by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, marking what the government termed as "Zeitenwende" or turning point. Yet, controversy arose concerning the financial management of the coalition, particularly following the ruling by Germany's Constitutional Court against reallocations of COVID-19 funds.
Currently, the political atmosphere is charged, with all parties within Hessen reporting growth in membership as they prepare for the upcoming election. This follows the sudden collapse of the Ampel coalition, which many felt was exacerbated by communication failures over policy initiatives like the heating law. Significant figures like Finance Minister Christian Lindner of the FDP were dismissed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, adding to the climate of uncertainty.
According to recent polls, the Union party currently leads significantly, followed by the AfD, SPD, and the Greens. Meanwhile, the FDP and the Left party face challenges to regain seats, as voters respond to economic and social issues highlighted during the coalition’s tenure
With the Bundestagswahl looming, attention turns to candidate lists. Notably, established politicians such as Nancy Faeser (SPD) and Bettina Stark-Watzinger (FDP), who are both serving as federal ministers, will run for re-election. Elsewhere, newer faces are entering the race, including Frederic Bouffier, the son of long-time Hessen Minister President Volker Bouffier. Meanwhile, Felix Döring (SPD), who succeeded as the direct representative of Gießen, aims to reclaim his seat.
Gießen will see over 200,000 eligible voters participate, making it one of the focal points of this election. Past elections indicate high competition, with Döring having previously garnered 30.4% of the votes, closely contesting Helge Braun from the CDU.
Election dynamics this year have also shifted due to strict participation rules, which required lesser-known parties to collect thousands of signatures to appear on ballots. Consequently, fewer smaller parties will contest, but notable mentions like the European party Volt are still poised to participate.
The noteworthy surge of funding for campaigns has become apparent, especially with the CDU and FDP receiving substantial contributions, including sizeable donations from the heirs of BMW. For voters, changes to the briefwahl (postal voting) logistics mean significant adjustments: now, only two weeks will be available for casting votes by mail.
Due to these shifts, the upcoming elections are not merely about who will win; they exemplify the public's response to the political climate and the governance experienced throughout the previous legislative term.
The Wahl-O-Mat tool is also worth mentioning as voters actively seek to align their political stance with party platforms. This year, 29 political parties will participate, and users can now engage through 38 political theses developed from extensive analysis of party manifestos.
The choice is not only between parties but also among candidates with strong local ties and visions for their constituencies. Each party, from the established leaders to those lesser-known, seeks to communicate their policies effectively amid voter skepticism triggered by recent governmental instability.
Over the span of these weeks, campaign rhetoric will only heat up, and the electorate will be tasked with making informed choices about who will represent their interests. With the election date approaching, it remains to be seen how the electorate will respond to the changing political terrain and what impact these shifts will have on German politics for years to come.
Those interested can expect not just to see political advertisements, but also engagement activities aimed at encouraging discussions on plans and agendas as parties attempt to secure their place within the next Bundestag.