German Elections, Traditional 'Christmas Pickle' Custom, and Holiday Closures Examined
In less than a month, Germany will hold its national election on February 23rd. The race is heating up as various political parties vie for the nation's support, particularly in the areas of economy, immigration, and support for Ukraine.
Immigration:
The CDU/CSU-led coalition government, under the leadership of Friedrich Merz, has focused on strict border controls, deportations, and limiting asylum rights. This includes rejecting asylum seekers at the border and suspending family reunification for refugees with subsidiary protection status. The aim is to reduce illegal immigration and uphold what they see as legal and integration capacities.
However, former Chancellor Angela Merkel and other critics emphasize fair legal asylum procedures and humane treatment, opposing the CDU/CSU's adoption of the far-right anti-immigration agenda. Merkel has urged for dignity in deportations and solutions for Afghan refugees, highlighting tensions within the conservative camp.
Left-leaning parties such as the SPD, Greens, and The Left reject cooperation with the far-right AfD and oppose the restrictive migration measures introduced by the Union (CDU/CSU), advocating for more humanitarian and open migration policies.
The Union's migration policies were controversially supported in parliament with votes including the AfD, sparking protests and criticism from other parties and former leaders.
Economy:
While the economic platforms of each party are not explicitly detailed in the search results, the CDU/CSU coalition emphasizes the state's capacity to integrate refugees and migrants within economic and social limits.
The SPD, Greens, and FDP generally support more open and modernized policies that may include labor and educational migration to support the economy.
The Union's economic positioning typically includes conservative fiscal policies combined with social market principles, contrasting with the SPD and Greens' stronger emphasis on social welfare and green investments.
Support for Ukraine:
The search results provided do not explicitly discuss the parties' positions on Ukraine. Based on general knowledge till mid-2025, the major German parties (CDU/CSU, SPD, Greens, FDP) broadly support Ukraine during its conflict with Russia, with differences often in the degree of military aid and sanctions advocated.
Other Matters:
The Christmas pickle ornament is not a traditional German custom but was likely invented by US department stores in the 1890s. The Local Germany is encouraging readers to share their favorite German holiday traditions. Many shops in Germany will close during the holidays and have reduced hours on Christmas and New Year's Eve. Some supermarkets in major train stations in Germany remain open on Sundays and holidays.
The Greens have proposed a "billionaire's tax" and re-introduced the concept of Klimageld (Climate money), as well as other support for low-income families. The Free Democrats (FDP) are pushing for a reform of insurance contributions, and the Left Party is looking to address cost of living issues. Sahra Wagenknect's BSW generally agrees with social welfare policies but calls for tougher immigration policies and the end of military support for Ukraine.
In summary, the main electoral cleavage lies in migration and asylum policy, with the CDU/CSU pursuing a restrictive, security-focused agenda, while the SPD, Greens, and Left criticize this approach and advocate for more humanitarian policies. Economic differences are less detailed in the current results, and Ukraine policy is not explicitly covered here. The CDU/CSU's approach has sparked significant public protest and political controversy due to ties, perceived or real, with the far-right AfD in migration policy votes.
Politics surrounding policy-and-legislation regarding migration and asylum policy has become a hot topic in Germany, with the CDU/CSU pursuing a restrictive, security-focused agenda, while the SPD, Greens, and Left criticize this approach and advocate for more humanitarian policies.
On the other hand, the economic platforms of each party are less explicitly detailed, with the CDU/CSU typically advocating for conservative fiscal policies combined with social market principles, contrasting with the SPD and Greens' stronger emphasis on social welfare and green investments.
