German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Votes with Hope for Victory
Berlin, February 23: In Germany's election, voters are choosing their new government, with economic stagnation, immigration control, and concerns over the future of Ukraine taking center stage. Current Chancellor Olaf Scholz and conservative leader Friedrich Merz cast their votes separately, both confident as potential rulers.
The biggest debate in this election centers around Germany's relationship with Ukraine and the United States, with Germany being one of Ukraine’s largest weapons suppliers. Additionally, the country’s largest economy has been stagnating in recent years, and there is intense debate over immigration control.
Merz's conservative party, which has garnered 28-32% support in recent polls, is significantly ahead of Scholz's Social Democrats. However, Scholz’s party is limited to 14-16% support, which could be their worst post-war result. The far-right party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), is set to gain around 20% of the vote and has fielded a chancellor candidate for the first time in this election.
The main issues of the election have been the economy, immigration, and support for Ukraine. Merz is aiming to bring stability to the government. However, according to his claim, he may need the cooperation of a third party to form the government.
Merz’s tough stance on immigration, especially his pledge to block illegal immigrants and increase deportations, has received support from AfD, but other major parties have expressed no interest in working with them.
The next government will need to ensure the outcome of the Ukraine war and guarantee increased military spending, especially after the special 100 billion-euro fund ends in 2027.
