Chancellor Scholz Wants to Meet President Donald Trump Ahead of German National Elections

Chancellor Scholz Wants to Meet President Trump Ahead of German National Elections

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, deeply concerned after losing a confidence vote, is reportedly seeking to meet with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump before Germany’s upcoming national elections. According to reports, the elections could be held within the next two months.

Scholz has expressed his desire to meet Trump shortly after Trump officially assumes office on January 20. Scholz had already called Trump to congratulate him following his election victory, during which he expressed hope for a meeting after Trump takes office. Sources suggest the German elections are likely to take place on February 23, making a visit to Washington, D.C., to meet Trump a possibility before the vote.

Meanwhile, Trump has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to his January 20 inauguration, though it is unclear which other leaders have been invited. Neither Berlin nor Washington has confirmed whether Scholz is on the list of invitees.

Germany's center-right CDU and its ally CSU aim to lower income tax rates and gradually reduce corporate tax to 25%. They have assured that pensions for seniors will not be cut. However, those who choose to work beyond the age of 67 will enjoy a tax-free income of up to 2,000 euros in addition to their pension.

The Social Democrats (SPD) are calling for reforms in state borrowing rules to free up funds for investment, infrastructure development, and a wealth tax for individuals with assets exceeding 100 million euros. Scholz has also pledged to increase the minimum wage.

The Green Party similarly supports relaxing borrowing limits and advocates subsidies for electric vehicles and the establishment of a citizens’ fund to secure pensions. They also support higher taxes on the wealthy.

The far-right AfD’s draft manifesto calls for Germany to exit the EU and abandon the euro. They support importing gas from Russia, building new coal-powered plants, and stricter border controls to prevent immigration. The AfD also aims to deport EU nationals who have moved to Germany.