Mark your calendars for German election 24th September

Germany has finalized its election date and it is to be held on 24th of September. This year’s election demands special attention because it is expected to be the most difficult re-election for Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is running for the fourth term, highest ever for any chancellor of Germany. Chancellor Angela Merkel’s controversial policies with regard to refugees have led to major domestic conflicts and eroded her popularity. 

Last year alone, more than a million Muslim immigrants entered Germany from war-torn regions of Middle East namely Syria, North Africa, and Asia due to Chancellor Merkel’s open door policy. Germany, where the population is predominantly Christian has been struggling to cope up with these massive inflows of people. The increased the popularity of right-wing parties like Alternative for Deutschland (AfD). After her poll numbers dropped to 32 percent, lowest ever for her, Chancellor Merkel changed her rhetoric sharply and went so far to call burka ban (face) in Germany.

While it is unlikely that she would lose the election but it is very much likely that she would have to make compromises more than she desires while forming a coalition. No single party is expected to win the majority.