Germany’s Election Debate Heats Up as Scholz Accuses Rival of Accepting Far-Right Support

Scholz vs. Merz: German Election Debate Sparks Controversy

Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz and opposition leader Friedrich Merz engaged in a tense live TV debate, just weeks ahead of the February 23rd elections. Scholz, who has been struggling in the polls, accused Merz of breaking his word by indirectly accepting votes from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) to push an anti-immigration motion through Parliament.

The center-left Scholz attacked his conservative rival, arguing that Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian allies (CSU) were engaging with the AfD, despite claiming they would never cooperate with the controversial nationalist party.

“We in Germany must do everything we can to ensure that the AfD has no significance. That is why there is no cooperation with them.” – Olaf Scholz

CDU's Position on AfD and Immigration Policy

Merz, whose CDU is leading in the polls with around 30%, denied any collaboration with the AfD, emphasizing that there is “no common ground” between his party and the far-right faction:

“We are world’s apart on factual issues—whether it’s Europe, NATO, the euro, Russia, or the United States.” – Friedrich Merz

Despite this, Merz has made immigration a central theme of his campaign, attempting to win over voters tempted by the AfD, which is currently polling in second place with 20%.

Meanwhile, Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens are trailing far behind at around 15% each.

Economic Policies: Investment vs. De-Industrialization

Beyond immigration, the two rivals clashed over Germany’s economic slowdown. Scholz advocated investment to support struggling businesses and proposed a higher minimum wage, whereas Merz blamed the government for the country’s de-industrialization, arguing that current policies have weakened Germany’s industrial sector.

Foreign Policy: Trump’s Gaza Plan and NATO

On foreign policy, both candidates mostly agreed on key issues such as defense spending and the importance of NATO. However, they differed on their approach toward U.S. President Donald Trump.

Scholz harshly criticized Trump’s proposal to take over Gaza, calling it:

“A scandal and a particularly terrible description… The displacement of populations is unacceptable and against international law.”

He aligned Germany’s stance with Egypt and Jordan, rejecting Trump’s idea as inhumane and legally indefensible.

Final Countdown to Germany’s Elections

As Germany heads into the final stretch before the elections, the political landscape remains tense:

• CDU/CSU (Merz) leading with ~30%
• AfD in second place with ~20%
• SPD (Scholz) and the Greens trailing at ~15% each

With immigration and economic policies dominating the debate, the question remains: Will Merz’s focus on immigration boost CDU’s chances, or will Scholz’s late offensive turn the tide?

Stay updated for more on Germany’s election, political shifts, and global reactions!