Fierce struggle for leadership in German elections

Tomorrow, parliamentary elections are expected in Germany, Europe’s largest country. They will also bring a new chancellor, because after 16 years, Angela Merkel will no longer run for office as chancellor. It has not benefited her party. Polls show that without Merkel, her Christian Democrats, with 23%, could be second only to the Social Democrats, who are currently ready to vote for 25%. Who are Merkel’s heirs and could any of them take the throne of the informal European leader?

The whole of Europe is looking forward to the German elections – how the forces in the Bundestag will be divided, because it will decide who, according to Angela Merkel, will be the German Chancellor and whether he will be the informal European leader in the future. Merkel’s place would be happy to be taken by French President Emmanuel Macron, but Merkel’s composure should not be expected from him. And his days are probably numbered too – because elections are waiting for him in the spring.

The Social Democrats currently have a small advantage over Merkel’s Christian Democrats that it is difficult to predict which of them will be the next chancellor.

Armin Lashett is the leader of the Christian Democratic Party, and Angela Merkel has been actively involved in supporting him in recent days because it is not easy for him.

“But I know that Armin Lachet, as the governor of North Rhine-Westphalia, has fought for every job in his country, and he will do so as German chancellor,” said German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Olaf Scholz is the finance minister in Merkel’s government and has just experienced a search of his ministry. Ratings promise his party insecure, but victory. And he is now considered the most realistic next chancellor.

“We need a fresh start for Germany, we need a change of government, and we want a government led by the Social Democrats,” said Olaf Scholz, leader of the German Social Democratic Party.

Scholz positions himself as Merkel’s direct heir, even though he is from a competing party.

“Mr Scholz is trying to present himself as a successor, pretending to have been vice chancellor. Now Merkel is leaving and he is a natural continuation. He is even imitating the assembly of Merkel’s hands,” said Mikhail Galler, a MEP from the German CDU.

Annalena Bērboka is the leader of the Green Party and a candidate for the position of chancellor. Green ideas are very popular in Germany, especially among young people. She is the only one of the three to call on Germany for more radical change. She wants to raise emissions prices and stop using coal earlier than planned.

“These elections are about generations. Even if 14 million children and young people in this country cannot vote, it is about their future,” said Annalen Berbock, leader of the Green Party.

Climate has indeed been the main topic of these elections, but interest in it varies greatly from one part of Germany to another.

And although the Berlin Wall is no longer here, this line still exists in the heads of German voters. On the west side, “greens” have become very popular in recent years, while on the east side, the right “Alternative to Germany” and the “left”.

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