Merz Appeals for Strong Mandate to Counter Far-Right AfD in German Election
In the lead-up to Germany’s federal election on Sunday, conservative leader Friedrich Merz called on voters to give his party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), a strong mandate to address pressing issues and prevent the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Merz, who is widely seen as the frontrunner in the race, outlined his priorities in a televised debate with incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the Social Democratic Party (SPD). "In the next four years, we must solve two major problems in this country: migration and the economy," Merz declared. "If we don’t succeed, they will overtake us and all the democratic parties in the political center," he warned, referring to the AfD.
CDU Dominates Polls, SPD Faces Debacle
Merz’s CDU-CSU alliance is currently leading in polls with 30% of the vote, followed by the AfD at 20%, double the support it received four years ago. Scholz’s SPD is trailing at 15%, ahead of the Greens at 14%.
Merz emphasized the need for a "strong CDU-CSU result to guarantee a change in policy for Germany." His goal is to form a government with a single coalition partner, restoring the stability that has been lacking in Scholz’s coalition with the Greens and Liberals, which is set to collapse by the end of 2024.
Scholz Refuses to Concede Defeat
Despite the challenging odds, Scholz remained defiant, refusing to concede defeat. "I am convinced that something unusual will happen this time: some will only make up their minds in the voting booth… I believe that, in the end, many will choose the SPD and give me a new mandate," he said, drawing laughter from Merz.
"There will be no more miracles in the next four days," Merz retorted, adding, "Your chancellorship should end on Sunday."
Migration and Economic Issues Dominate Debate
Apart from this verbal jab, the debate, broadcast on the websites of conservative media outlets Welt and Bild, was notably more civil and subdued than previous encounters.
Tightening immigration rules, following several deadly attacks involving foreign nationals that have shocked the country, and imposing stricter penalties on welfare recipients deemed unwilling to work, were key topics of discussion during the hour-long exchange.
Foreign Policy Takes a Backseat
Foreign policy received less attention, despite the conflict in Ukraine and growing tensions between Europe and the United States over the proposed negotiations for a settlement. "Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is taking place two hours from our doorstep, with constant twists and turns. We are all wondering how the new US administration will react and how things will develop," Scholz remarked.
Merz Rejects AfD Cooperation
Merz reiterated his opposition to any cooperation with the AfD. In January, his parliamentary initiative to toughen immigration laws with the support of the AfD raised concerns about his intentions.
Condemned by large-scale demonstrations across Germany, this overture did not appear to damage the conservatives’ poll ratings.
Coalition Scenarios Post-Election
The most likely scenario after Sunday’s election is a grand coalition between the CDU-CSU and the SPD. However, the weakened Social Democrats will need to find ways to negotiate their position within the alliance, which Scholz has already ruled out joining.
Despite their political rivalry, both Merz and Scholz expressed a degree of mutual respect. When asked if he would trust Merz, an amateur pilot, to fly his plane, Scholz answered affirmatively, assuming "he has his pilot’s license." Merz reciprocated, saying he would be willing to board Scholz’s boat since he is an avid rower.
The outcome of the German federal election will have significant implications for the country’s future, as it grapples with pressing social, economic, and foreign policy challenges. The results on Sunday will determine the course of Germany’s political landscape for years to come.
