Merz Leads German Election Race, Scholz Hopes for Last-Minute Comeback/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Germany’s leading candidates made final pitches ahead of Sunday’s landmark election, with front-runner Friedrich Merz vowing to strengthen the economy and Europe’s global position. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, trailing in polls, clings to hopes of an election upset. Migration, economic stagnation, and Europe’s alliances dominate the campaign’s closing messages.
Germany’s Landmark Election Quick Looks
- Election date: Germans vote Sunday to elect a new parliament amid economic and migration concerns
- Front-runner: Opposition leader Friedrich Merz promises economic revival and stronger EU presence
- Chancellor Scholz: Hopes for a surprise comeback despite lagging poll numbers and coalition collapse
- Far-right rise: Alternative for Germany (AfD) expected to achieve strongest result since WWII, but isolated politically
- Migration debate: Merz pushes for tougher border controls, drawing controversy over parliamentary support from AfD
- Economic focus: Merz blames domestic policy for stagnation; Scholz emphasizes stability and democratic values
- EU relations: Merz pledges assertive stance against Russia, China, and, if necessary, U.S. policies
- Coalition uncertainty: Possible need for a three-party alliance if no clear majority emerges
Merz Leads German Election Race, Scholz Hopes for Last-Minute Comeback
Deep Look
BERLIN — Germany’s top candidates made their final appeals to voters Saturday, just hours before the country heads to the polls for a pivotal election that could redefine Europe’s largest economy and its role on the world stage. With the campaign focused on economic stagnation, migration, and global alliances, opposition leader Friedrich Merz appears poised to unseat Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Merz, leading the center-right Union bloc, told a packed rally in a Munich beer hall that “three years in opposition are enough,” urging supporters to back his vision of economic revival and stronger European leadership.
“Europe must be a player and not ask for a seat at a side table,” Merz declared. “We must safeguard our interests against Russia, China, and, if necessary, even with respect to America.”
The rhetoric underscores growing unease in Europe over strained relations with the U.S., particularly under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Merz emphasized Germany’s need to reassert itself in the European Union, warning that “anyone who shows up there as a dwarf is treated as a dwarf.”
Economic concerns have dominated the race, with Merz blaming Germany’s sluggish growth on what he called “overwhelmingly homemade” policies. His plan focuses on cutting bureaucratic red tape and attracting private investment to jumpstart the economy.
Scholz’s center-left Social Democrats (SPD), meanwhile, face an uphill battle after the collapse of his three-party coalition in November. Infighting over how to revive the economy prompted the early election, seven months ahead of schedule. At a rally in Potsdam, Scholz acknowledged the odds but urged voters not to lose faith.
“I don’t believe in miracles, but I believe in an election victory,” he told supporters.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has also gained momentum, projected to secure its best result since World War II. However, the party remains politically isolated, with no mainstream party willing to form a coalition with it.
Migration has emerged as a flashpoint in the campaign. Merz has called for stricter border controls, pushing a parliamentary motion to increase migrant turnbacks—a move approved with votes from AfD. The collaboration sparked criticism from opponents accusing Merz of breaking postwar taboos, though he vehemently denied any alliance.
“We will under no circumstances discuss any talks or negotiations with AfD,” Merz said.
“Anyone who wants to prevent the far right from having a say must ensure the Social Democrats remain strong,” he urged.
Germany’s election also raises questions about coalition building. Even if Merz’s Union bloc finishes first, forming a government may require a third party, complicating negotiations.
“If we govern, we need few partners—not an endless number of them,” said Markus Söder, a senior conservative ally.
As voters prepare to cast ballots, uncertainty lingers over Germany’s post-election direction. Economic reform, immigration policy, and Germany’s position within the EU and NATO hang in the balance. While Merz calls for bold changes, Scholz appeals to stability and democratic continuity.
With polls consistently favoring Merz but showing no clear majority, coalition talks could extend for weeks—if not months. Still, as Scholz noted, many Germans may not decide until they reach the voting booth. “This election is far from over,” he insisted.
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