Politics & Government Guide
Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions in Germany
Germany is currently governed by a grand coalition led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the CDU, following the February 2025 federal election. The new government focuses on economic stability, industrial competitiveness, digital transformation, and a more assertive foreign and European policy, supported by a major €500bn special fund for infrastructure and energy transition.
Political Stability
Good
Corruption Index
Good
Democracy Index
Good
Government Type
Federal parliamentary republic
Legal System
Civil law system
Head of State
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier(since 2017)
Head of Government
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz(CDU)since 2025
Political Indicators
Political Stability
Scale: 0-1
Very Stable
World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators (2024)
Corruption Index
Scale: 0-100
Transparency International (2024)
Press Freedom
Scale: 0-100
Reporters Without Borders (2024)
Democracy Index
Scale: 0-10
Full Democracy
Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)
Legislature
Major Political Parties
Center-right
Center-left
Center-left
Right-wing populist
Liberal
Voting Rights
German citizens aged 18 and over have the right to vote in federal and state elections. EU citizens can vote in local and European elections in Germany. Non-EU residents may have limited local voting rights depending on state regulations.
Recent Developments
- Snap federal election held on 23 February 2025, resulting in a CDU/CSU-led government.
- Formation of a grand coalition between CDU/CSU and SPD after the 2025 federal election.
- New government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a €500bn special fund for infrastructure, energy transition and digitisation.
- Coalition agreement prioritizes economic stability, industrial competitiveness, and a more assertive foreign policy.
- Plans to centralize European policy coordination in the Federal Chancellery to strengthen Germany's role in EU decision-making.
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