On February 6, in Frankfurt, Germany is gearing up to elect a new parliament on February 23, a significant event that could influence the financial landscape of Europe's largest economy.
A glimpse into the financial intentions of the leading parties reveals distinct paths they plan to pursue, as outlined in their extensive platform documents.
- The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) aims to exit the euro and deregulate Bitcoin, while the Social Democrats led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz intend to impose taxes on the wealthy.
Chancellor candidate: Friedrich Merz - The conservative alliance of Merz's Christian Democrats (CDU) and the Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU) is currently leading in the polls, offering general financial strategies without detailed specifics.
Chancellor candidate: Alice Weidel - The AfD, under Chancellor candidate Alice Weidel, comes second in the polls. Despite their concrete and radical financial plans, mainstream parties are unlikely to form a coalition with them.
Chancellor candidate: Olaf Scholz - Chancellor Scholz's centre-left Social Democrats trail in third place but have a history of coalition involvement in government.
Chancellor candidate: Robert Habeck - The Free Democrats (FDP), led by Christian Lindner, advocate for reduced taxes and decreased bureaucracy, though their representation in the upcoming parliament is uncertain due to their current low standing in the polls.