Germany Enters Final Phase of Heated Bundestag Election Campaign

Key parties outline competing visions on economy, migration, and international relations ahead of February 23 election.

Friedrich Merz, CDU's chancellor candidate, criticized the AfD and Greens while emphasizing economic reforms and stricter migration policies in campaign speeches.
Angela Merkel made a rare appearance at a CDU event, endorsing Merz for chancellor while advocating for European unity and addressing global challenges like Trump's presidency and Russia's aggression.
The SPD, under Olaf Scholz, seeks to appeal to 'normal people' with promises of tax relief, a higher minimum wage, and a focus on job preservation in key industries.
The AfD and other smaller parties, including the Greens and the newly formed BSW, are campaigning on sharply divergent platforms, reflecting polarized voter priorities on migration, climate, and economic policies.
Germany's economic struggles, including debates over rising social spending and municipal debt, are central to campaign narratives, with parties proposing varied solutions for fiscal sustainability.