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Social Democratic Party (SPD)

Germany’s oldest party was founded in 1875, and is described as "center-left". It roots in the 19th century labor movement.

Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis

Left to right: Robert Habeck, Olaf Scholz, Christian Lindner

German government descends into crisis mode

German government descends into crisis mode

Chancellor Olaf Scholz is trying to hold his government together, but his partners seem unable to stop infighting.
PoliticsNovember 4, 2024
An outside view of the chancellor's office, with the heads of Finance Minister Christian Lindner (L) and Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) just visible

Why Germany's coalition government is under threat

Why Germany's coalition government is under threat

The FDP finance minister has triggered a dispute that observers say is backing his coalition partners into a corner.
PoliticsNovember 4, 202401:16 min
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump dances at a campaign rally

Donald Trump would have little chance in Germany — poll

Donald Trump would have little chance in Germany — poll

German voters across almost the entire political spectrum prefer US Democratic candidate Kamala Harris to Donald Trump.
PoliticsNovember 1, 2024
An 2014 archive image of surgeons performing intervertebral disc surgery on the lumbar spine

How to fix Germany's ailing health care system

How to fix Germany's ailing health care system

Germany's health minister has forged ahead with a plan to slash the number of hospitals and digitalize bureaucracy.
PoliticsOctober 21, 2024
Björn Höcke making a passionate election campaign appearance in Thuringia in August 2024

Will Germany's far-right AfD party be banned?

Will Germany's far-right AfD party be banned?

German lawmakers have united in an attempt to ban the Alternative for Germany party. Can they succeed?
PoliticsOctober 18, 2024
Demonstrators against the far-right in Erfurt on August 25. 2024

Germans divided over far-right AfD ban

Germans divided over far-right AfD ban

Two-thirds of German voters polled in October see the rise of the AfD as a threat to democracy and the rule of law.
PoliticsOctober 11, 2024
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Skip next section In the spotlight

In the spotlight

Olaf Scholz (right), Robert Habeck (middle), and Christian Lindner (left) sitting in Germany's parliament

Can the German government survive its 'ultimatum autumn'?

Whatever the issue, the German government coalition is at odds. But now coalition partner FDP has issued an ultimatum.
PoliticsSeptember 30, 2024
An AfD election campaign poster

How Germany's far-right AfD is reaching young voters

The far-right Alternative for Germany is hoping for another strong showing in Brandenburg's upcoming state election.
PoliticsSeptember 19, 202402:38 min
Green Party politicians looking miserable

Populist gains in state elections jolt German government

What will be the nationwide consequences from far-right gains in the Saxony and Thuringia state elections?
PoliticsSeptember 2, 2024
Microphones from various TV stations such as ZDF, RTL and NDR are placed in front of a wall with the blue, white and red logo of the Alternative for Germany (AfD).

Why German media's relationship with far right is difficult

How should Germany's traditional media deal with the far-right Alternative for Germany? Expose the party, or ignore it?
PoliticsApril 22, 2024
Finance Minister Christian Lindner, Economy Minister Robert Habeck, and Chancellor Olaf Scholz (left to right)

Germany: What's holding Olaf Scholz's coalition together?

The German government coalition parties are arguing about everything, including Ukraine, but above all about money.
PoliticsApril 3, 2024
woman gazing at a wall with historic election posters exhibited in the Museum of German History in Bonn

How to found a political party in Germany

In theory, anyone in Germany can found a party, even foreigners. However, there are certain requirements.
PoliticsJanuary 27, 2024
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