Scholz and Merz Clash in First Televised Debate Ahead of 2025 Bundestag Election

The debate highlights contrasting policies while addressing migration, economic issues, and coalition dynamics as Germany prepares for a pivotal vote.

• Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and CDU leader Friedrich Merz engaged in a 90-minute televised debate moderated by Maybrit Illner and Sandra Maischberger on ARD and ZDF.
• The debate follows recent controversy over the CDU's cooperation with the AfD in a Bundestag vote, which Scholz criticized as a breach of democratic principles.
• Merz enters the debate with a significant lead in polls, with the CDU polling at 29-34%, while the SPD lags behind at 15-18%.
• The FDP ruled out a coalition with the Greens, signaling a preference for a CDU-FDP partnership, while emphasizing the importance of their party surpassing the 5% threshold.
• Upcoming debates will include all major party candidates, with a four-way discussion featuring Scholz, Merz, Robert Habeck (Greens), and Alice Weidel (AfD) scheduled for February 16.

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