Overview

• Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized Friedrich Merz for alleged cooperation with the AfD in parliamentary votes, framing it as a threat to democratic norms.
• Merz attacked Scholz's economic record, citing increased unemployment, business insolvencies, and capital outflows under his leadership.
• Scholz defended his administration's handling of crises, including the Ukraine war and inflation, while emphasizing his vision for economic modernization and social equity.
• Merz reiterated his party's stance on stricter migration policies and rejected any potential collaboration with the AfD, despite Scholz's accusations.
• The debate underscored deep political divides, with both leaders appealing to voters ahead of the February 23 election, where coalition possibilities remain uncertain.