Scholz attacks Merz amid German election campaign turmoil
- Olaf Scholz began his campaign criticizing Friedrich Merz's approach towards the poor and his handling of relations with Russia.
- Friedrich Merz accused Scholz of mismanagement that negatively affected Germany's economy and policies concerning immigration.
- The contrasting visions presented by both candidates reflect the significant political divides in Germany ahead of the elections.
In Germany, Olaf Scholz commenced his election campaign three months prior to a crucial vote, in which he publicly criticized his conservative rival, Friedrich Merz. Scholz, representing the Social Democratic Party (SPD), expressed concerns over Merz's approach towards the poor and accused him of recklessly playing 'Russian roulette' with Moscow in relation to the Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile, Merz countered with allegations of Scholz's failed coalition with the Greens and Free Democrats, asserting that it has harmed Europe's largest economy and criticized the government's economic mismanagement that has led to job losses. The tension escalated further as both candidates presented starkly different visions on issues like immigration, where Scholz dismissed allegations of inaction on irregular migration, while Merz warned of growing populism if economic conditions do not improve by the next election in 2029. This political contest highlights the deep divisions in Germany over policy responses to both domestic and international challenges, with significant implications for the nation's future direction.