Germany

Without decisive action, Germany risks stagnation. But with the right reforms, the country can repair and rev up its stuttering economic engine, Alex Roth writes.

German are set to vote for their next leader on Sunday in the country’s snap federal election. The election is expected to feature a high voter turnout with incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz up against a considerable opposition from the CDU and far-right AfD parties.

The next leader of Europe’s biggest economy will face a public deeply dissatisfied with living standards, housing and less tolerant towards migrants than in previous years.

Major parties and minnows are all promising more and quicker deportations to solve the migration debate as the country is set to hold elections next Sunday.

Ukraine’s ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, spoke to Euronews about Ukraine’s role in the German election campaign and what he says is a lack of political courage.

Germany’s conservative parties and far-right AfD lead in the polls, with the CDU’s Friedrich Merz likely to become chancellor after the 23 February vote.

The centre-right CDU has been accused of breaking ‘taboo’ by putting forward a motion to the Bundestag for a stricter migration policy which was backed by the far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD).

Amnesty International, Seebrücke and other organisations called for the rally under the slogan “Firewall instead of arson”.

The tech billionaire made the controversial comment at an AfD rally, two days before the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

In Trump’s inauguration week, markets will focus on his policy announcements, which may significantly impact market movements. Other key economic veri from major economies, along with corporate earnings, are also set to influence investor sentiment.