Germany's general election thriller culminates today (Sunday) with the opening of polling stations across the country.
Some 60 million eligible voters will decide whether Germany will turn to power or continuity.
The election results will be decided by about 40% of all voters, who have not yet decided who to vote for, if at all.
Due to the Corona epidemic, a large number of voters are expected to send the ballot by mail (about 45%), so the final results of the election may only be known on Monday.
Also, it is not inconceivable that the results of the TV models will not reflect the final results because of the dimensions of voting in the mail.
"Germany is strong - Europe needs strong."
Armin Lasht, Photo: AFP
Polls published over the weekend predicted a narrowing of the gap between the two major parties, the Social Democrats and the Conservative Union, to the point of almost a draw in one poll (26% for the Social Democrats, 25% for the Conservatives). If the polls reflect the political reality of post-election Germany, long negotiations are expected to form a new government. The Jamaican Coalition "between the Conservatives (who are black), the Liberals and the Greens (black, yellow and green are the colors of the Jamaican flag). The chances of a "left-wing government in full", in which the Social Democrats and the Greens will sit with the far-left party, Di Linke. At least according to one recent poll,This party may not pass the 5% blocking percentage. As long as a new government is not formed, Merkel will continue to be the current prime minister.
On the way to inheriting the role?
Schultz and Merkel,
In a last-ditch effort to bolster the Conservatives' chances of winning Chancellor Armin Lasht's election, Chancellor Merkel appeared with him at an election rally in his hometown of Aachen in West Germany.
Both warned of a left-wing election victory that would destabilize Germany and hurt the economy.
Lasht also warned that a left-wing government would undermine Germany's internal security.
The leading candidate, the Social Democrat Olaf Schultz, for his part, emphasized that a government headed by him would work to reduce social disparities in Germany.
Violent attacks on party headquarters and the homes of candidates from various parties have been reported in various places in Germany.
Another farewell?
Elections will also be held today in Berlin and the provincial state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, which were controlled by the Social Democrats.
The victory of the Social Democrats in Berlin is not guaranteed.
Merkel and her replacement in the party, Armin Lasht, Photo: Merkel and her replacement in her party, Armin Lasht
According to reports in the gossip columns in Germany, Merkel is about to say goodbye to her husband, Prof. Joachim Zauer, who was her closest adviser.
According to reports, Merkel intends to move to her hometown, Hamburg, after the end of her term, while Zauer intends to stay in Berlin.
Tensions between the two have previously been reported in light of Merkel's decision to run again in the previous 2017 elections, rather than retire.