German elections: Besides illegal immigration, these topics are influencing the debate

On February 23, Germany is going to hold parliamentary elections. This is going to be an important election not just for the country but for the broader European Union. There are a number of topics influencing the election debate. Let’s understand.

Illegal migration is one of the top things on people’s minds today. Permanent controls at the Schengen borders and the denial of entry to asylum seekers if they try to enter Germany from another EU country are some of the measures that one of the candidates seeks.

The other major issue influencing the elections in Germany is the state of the national economy. The economy has been in a serious state for more than a couple of years. People are demanding tax cuts and a reduction in energy costs.

German elections: Impact of auto industry and Ukraine crisis

The backbone of Germany’s economic strength – the auto industry – has been in not a good state for some time. It is dragging the entire country into the precipice as Chinese competition bring in good quality products at cheaper prices into the European market.

Germany’s increased defence spending has also been putting substantial pressure on the country’s finances. Shortly after Russian troops marched into Ukraine, the Bundestag confirmed the introduction of a special 100 billion fund to modernise the military.

Climate change has become a serious topic for debate in Germany. On the one hand, the current measures are triggering a strong public reaction. On the other hand, the need to respond to Russia’s aggression has caused climate goals to drop from the priority ladder.

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