Germany is set to hold federal elections on February 23, an event that will shape not only the country’s domestic trajectory but also its foreign relations. While Middle Eastern governments may not have placed these elections high on their agenda, overlooking their significance would be a mistake. The changing landscape of international relations offers Middle Eastern countries an opportunity to engage with Germany and the European Union strategically. Given the EU’s economic and immigration pressures, there is room for mutually beneficial partnerships that could enhance diplomatic and economic ties between the two regions.

Five key candidates are vying to become Germany’s next chancellor, each offering distinct policies that could influence relations with the Middle East. Leading the polls is Friedrich Merz of the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Running on a platform of economic revival, tax cuts, and immigration restrictions, Merz has also promised to enhance Germany’s support for Ukraine. The incumbent chancellor, Olaf Scholz of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), has struggled in his tenure due to economic challenges and the impact of the Ukraine war. Meanwhile, Alice Weidel of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has taken a hardline stance on immigration, advocating for mass deportations and an end to sanctions on Russia.

On the left, Robert Habeck of the Greens, Germany’s vice chancellor and economy minister, has championed strong support for Ukraine and green energy policies. Another significant candidate, Sahra Wagenknecht of the newly formed Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), promotes closer ties with Russia while advocating for stringent immigration controls. These varied political orientations mean that Germany’s approach to the Middle East could shift considerably depending on the election’s outcome.

Germany, Europe’s largest economy, is currently facing significant challenges, including an energy........

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