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German Chancellor Accuses Main Challenger of “Constant About Turns”
BERLIN (AP) — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz levied strong accusations against his main challenger, Friedrich Merz, during the final parliamentary session before the country’s upcoming election on February 23. Scholz, the leader of the center-left Social Democrats, criticized Merz for his inconsistent stances, particularly on policies related to Ukraine and the management of refugee crises. This session marked a crucial moment as the parliament convened for the last time before the election, with tensions running high between the two leading candidates. Scholz emphasized the significant challenges his governing coalition has faced, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the resulting energy crisis, and inflation. He highlighted the external pressures, such as the "irritations" caused by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s foreign policy and trade tariffs on steel and aluminum, underscoring the complexity of the global political and economic landscape.
Merz Leads Center-Right Union Bloc in Polls
Polls currently show Friedrich Merz and the center-right Union bloc in the lead, with Scholz’s Social Democrats trailing significantly and showing little signs of closing the gap. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is positioned in second place, a development that has raised concerns within the political establishment. Merz, who has been a front-runner throughout the campaign, painted a grim picture of Germany’s economic situation, stating that the economy is shrinking for the third consecutive year. He accused Scholz and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, who also heads the Green Party and is running for the chancellorship, of driving Germany into a "wall" with their policies. Merz argued that the current government’s approach has left the labor market in a state of "sheer disaster," and he questioned the wisdom and intelligence of the incumbent chancellor, suggesting that many of the government’s decisions have been misjudged and poorly executed.
Scholz Emphasizes Steady Leadership
In response to Merz’s criticisms, Scholz stressed the importance of strong leadership, clear vision, and resilience in the face of current global challenges. "Strong leadership, strong nerves, a clear course — that’s what matters in such difficult times," he said, contrasting his approach with what he termed as "fickleness and a loud mouth." Scholz pointed out that the challenges Germany faces are not unique but are part of a broader international crisis. He emphasized the need for a stable and experienced government to navigate these turbulent waters, particularly given the ongoing energy crisis and high inflation rates. The chancellor also highlighted his government’s efforts to mitigate these issues, including financial support for vulnerable populations and efforts to diversify energy sources.
Merz Highlights Economic Failures
Merz, on the other hand, focused heavily on the economic failures of the current government. He contended that Germany’s economic trajectory under Scholz and Habeck has been downward, with the labor market suffering and the economy failing to meet its potential. Merz described the current government’s policies as leading to a "disaster," and he criticized the refusal to acknowledge these shortcomings. He suggested that a new government is needed to implement reforms and reverse the negative trends. Merz also pointed to the necessity of addressing issues such as migration and security, which he believes have been mishandled by the current administration.
Contrasting Plans for Economic Revitalization
Both Scholz and Merz have proposed distinct plans to rejuvenate the German economy. Scholz’s strategy emphasizes continuity, stability, and the gradual implementation of existing policies aimed at long-term growth and resilience. He advocates for a continued investment in renewable energy, infrastructure, and social welfare programs. Merz, however, proposes more radical measures, including significant tax cuts, deregulation, and a focus on private sector growth to spur economic recovery. Merz argues that these steps are necessary to quickly address the immediate economic challenges and to restore Germany’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Migration and Political Taboos
The issue of migration has become a contentious point in the campaign. Scholz accused Merz of “irresponsible gambling” and breaking a political taboo when Merz’s party, the Union bloc, brought a nonbinding motion to the parliament calling for the return of more migrants at Germany’s borders. The motion was narrowly approved with the support of the AfD, marking a significant shift in the political landscape. Merz, however, maintained that his party has no intention of working with the AfD and insisted that the next government must effectively tackle the challenges of migration and integration to prevent the rise of right-wing populism. He warned that failing to address these issues could allow the AfD to gain more ground and potentially pose a serious threat to Germany’s political stability. The contrasting stances on migration and the broader political implications underscore the high stakes of the upcoming election.
