German Politics refers to the political system, structures, processes, and institutions that govern Germany. It encompasses the functions and activities of various political entities including the federal and state governments, political parties, and the electoral system. Germany operates as a federal parliamentary republic, which means that the Chancellor is the head of government and is elected by the Bundestag, the federal parliament.
The political landscape is characterized by a multi-party system, with several significant parties, such as the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), and the Green Party, each representing different ideological perspectives. German politics also features a strong emphasis on consensus-building and collaboration among parties, particularly in the context of coalition governments.
Key aspects include the Basic Law (Grundgesetz), which serves as the constitution and outlines the rights and responsibilities of government and citizens. The political system also includes a complex framework of federalism, where power is divided between the national and state governments. Overall, German politics is marked by a commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and a social market economy.
A significant showdown unfolds between Friedrich Merz and Olaf Scholz as they vie for Germany's chancellorship. Merz attempts to transform his image from impulsive to a composed statesman, while Scholz…