As the German general elections approach this Sunday, a significant portion of the electorate remains undecided. Despite the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leading in the polls, ahead of the ultra-rightist Alternative for Germany (AFD) and the outgoing government parties, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens, millions of Germans are still unsure about which party to support.
Undecided Voters
Up to 30% of the electorate, approximately 17 million people out of the 59.7 million eligible to vote, have not yet made up their minds, according to data from the consulting firm Menfactum published in the newspaper ‘Bild’. This significant percentage of undecided voters could potentially sway the outcome of the election. Karoline, a middle-aged woman, is one such undecided voter. When asked about her voting intentions, she replied, “I don’t know who I’m going to vote for. I haven’t had time to study the options.” Her sentiments are shared by many Germans who are struggling to make a decision in a campaign that has been marked by its brevity, lasting only 58 days.
A Short and Intense Campaign
The short campaign period has made it challenging for voters to engage with the electoral process. Clara, another undecided voter, noted that in these elections, “you have to choose between voting for stability, which would favor the CDU and a strong SPD, or voting for a party that represents your ideas.” She expressed concerns about the rise of the AFD, which is projected to secure around 20% of the vote, and the uncertain international context, highlighting the need for “a politically stable Germany.”
Voter Apathy and Disenchantment
Thomas, who has already cast his vote by mail, criticized his fellow Germans for their apathy, stating, “The Germans have become too comfortable. They want everything done for them, which is why many are struggling to make a decision.” In contrast, Alexander, who also voted by mail, was more sympathetic towards undecided voters, saying, “I can understand why people are unsure. It seems like you can only choose between the bad and the less bad option; there isn’t a good choice.”
Sanctioning the Outgoing Government
According to political scientist and professor Jörg Bogumil, Sunday’s elections are an opportunity for voters to “sanction the outgoing government,” which has been plagued by problems during its tenure. Bogumil noted that the CDU and its leader, Friedrich Merz, are leading in the polls not because of their performance but due to the difficulties faced by the outgoing government. The CDU is currently polling at 30.4%, followed by the AFD at 20.4%, the SPD at 15.3%, and the Greens at 13.6%. The outcome of the election remains uncertain, with several parties, including the Left and the Alliance for Germany, hoping to surpass the 5% representation barrier.
