Polling shows Germany's 2025 election will bring a shift, but not a far-right leader

Berlin — German voters will cast ballots Sunday in a crucial federal election that could reshape the country's political landscape. With the collapse of the previous coalition government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Germans are expected to choose a new direction for Europe's largest economy.

The frontrunner to become the next German chancellor is Friedrich Merz, leader of the center-right Christian Democratic Union party. Polls show the CDU enjoying a comfortable lead, with 28% support. 

But it's the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany party that has caught the attention of many analysts ahead of this election. The AfD has surged in popularity and is currently polling second, expected to take about 21% of the vote, while the liberal Social Democratic Party (SPD) is polling at 16%, and the Greens at 14%.