Germany Prepares for Pivotal Bundestag Election Amid Heated Debates

Key issues like migration, economic policy, and coalition dynamics dominate the final days of campaigning as candidates make their closing arguments.

The last Bundestag session before the February 23 election saw leaders, including Olaf Scholz and Friedrich Merz, debating migration, economic challenges, and social policy.
A televised debate between Scholz and Merz drew over 12 million viewers, with Scholz slightly edging out Merz in post-debate polls but no clear winner emerging.
Coalition possibilities remain uncertain, with a Union-SPD partnership (GroKo) polling as the most favored option, while Friedrich Merz continues to rule out collaboration with the AfD.
The AfD, polling at a historic high of 20%, aims for significant parliamentary influence, including the ability to independently initiate investigation committees.
Economic policy, particularly the future of Germany's debt brake, remains contentious, with Scholz advocating reform and Merz resisting immediate changes.