German voters are heading to the polls this weekend in an election dominated by concerns about immigration. Special correspondent Malcolm Brabant reports from Berlin with analysis on the current political landscape. The country is expected to reject the incumbent left-leaning Chancellor Olaf Scholz in favor of a center-right candidate, amid a rise in support for an anti-immigrant party that has gained backing from the Trump administration.
The recent knife attack at the city’s Holocaust memorial in Berlin has heightened tensions surrounding immigration issues. The incidents have fueled support for the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany Party (AfD), which is expected to come second in the election but is unlikely to join the next governing coalition.
The center-right Christian Democrats, led by Friedrich Merz, are positioned to win the election and prioritize addressing immigration concerns and restoring law and order in the country. With the mainstream parties united against the AfD, the formation of a coalition government without the far-right party’s support is crucial for stability.
Foreign endorsements, controversially including support from figures like Elon Musk and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, have added a unique dynamic to the election. The German-American political scientist Cathryn Cluver Ashbrook weighs in on the potential impact of outside influences on the election outcome.
As Germany grapples with growing anti-immigrant sentiment and political polarization, the upcoming election will shape the country’s future trajectory. Malcolm Brabant’s analysis from the ground in Germany provides insights into the key issues and players in this crucial election.
Attribution:
This article was summarized and republished from the original source.
Please check the original article here: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/german-voters-head-to-polls-sunday-in-election-dominated-by-immigration-concerns.