Upcoming Bundestag Election: All Eyes on Scholz, Lindner, and Baerbock
Election Day Fast Approaching
On September 26, 2021, Germany will hold a federal election to elect the 20th Bundestag and its Chancellor. The incumbent Chancellor, Angela Merkel, is not seeking re-election. This will be the first federal election since 1949 without Merkel as a candidate.
The three leading candidates to succeed Merkel are Olaf Scholz (Social Democratic Party), Armin Laschet (Christian Democratic Union), and Annalena Baerbock (Alliance 90/The Greens).
Scholz, Laschet, and Baerbock: The Leading Candidates
Olaf Scholz
Olaf Scholz is the current Vice-Chancellor and Minister of Finance. He is a member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD). Scholz is seen as a moderate candidate who is likely to continue Merkel's legacy of stability and pragmatism.
Armin Laschet
Armin Laschet is the current Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia. He is a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Laschet is seen as a more conservative candidate than Scholz. He has pledged to cut taxes and reduce immigration.
Annalena Baerbock
Annalena Baerbock is the co-leader of the Alliance 90/The Greens. She is the first woman to lead a major German political party. Baerbock is seen as a progressive candidate who has pledged to address climate change and social inequality.
Key Issues in the Election
The key issues in the election are climate change, the economy, and immigration.
- Climate change: All three leading candidates have pledged to address climate change. However, they have different approaches to the issue. Scholz and Laschet support a gradual transition to a carbon-neutral economy. Baerbock has called for more ambitious climate action, including a ban on new fossil fuel projects.
- The economy: The German economy is strong, but there are concerns about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Scholz has pledged to protect jobs and businesses. Laschet has called for tax cuts to stimulate the economy. Baerbock has promised to invest in renewable energy and infrastructure.
- Immigration: The issue of immigration is a major concern for some German voters. Laschet has pledged to reduce immigration. Scholz and Baerbock have taken a more welcoming approach to immigration.
The Outcome of the Election
The outcome of the election is uncertain. All three leading candidates are within striking distance of winning. The election is likely to be decided by the performance of the smaller parties, such as the Free Democratic Party (FDP) and the Left Party (Die Linke).
The Bundestag election is one of the most closely watched elections in the world. The outcome of the election will have a major impact on Germany and Europe.
