BERLIN — With Germany’s election just two weeks away, Chancellor Olaf Scholz and conservative leader Friedrich Merz engaged in a heated debate on national television Sunday night. They addressed critical issues including migration, the economy, and relations with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Migration policies spark intense debate
During the debate, Scholz challenged Merz’s pledge to turn away asylum seekers at Germany’s borders, questioning, “How dumb can someone be?” Scholz argued that such a stance would not only violate EU law but also fragment Europe at a time when unity is essential to counter Trump’s tariff threats. In response, Merz dismissed Scholz’s remarks, stating, “You don’t live on this planet. What you’re saying is a fairy tale.”
The clash unfolded against the backdrop of controversy surrounding Merz’s attempts to garner support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party to push stringent immigration proposals in the Bundestag. This strategy has raised concerns about eroding the longstanding political barrier against far-right influence since World War II. Scholz seized this opportunity, expressing fear that Merz might consider an alliance with the AfD after the elections. Merz, however, firmly rejected such claims, asserting, “There will be no cooperation.”
Economic policies take center stage
As the debate progressed, Merz attributed the rise of the AfD to Scholz’s left-leaning government, labeling the party as a “serious threat to our democracy.” He criticized the current administration’s policies, arguing that they undermined public support for moderate politics. “There has long been no majority for left-wing politics in this country,” he emphasized.
With Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) trailing in third place in the polls, the debate marked one of his last opportunities to reshape the electoral landscape. The discussion turned to economic policies, where Merz advocated for broad tax reductions and increased fiscal discipline, whereas Scholz framed these proposals as disproportionately benefiting the wealthy. Merz characterized Scholz’s economic stewardship as disastrous, linking it to Germany’s industrial decline, while Scholz countered that external factors, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, were primarily to blame: “I’m not the one who invaded Ukraine; that was [Russian President Vladimir] Putin.”
Additionally, Merz criticized Scholz for closing three nuclear plants, questioning, “Then why in God’s name did you end nuclear energy?” Scholz responded that reactivating the reactors would come at an estimated cost of €40 billion.
The debate also touched on how to manage potential trade conflicts with the United States. Scholz warned that Merz’s migration policies could jeopardize the necessary European solidarity to confront Trump effectively. He posed rhetorical questions, asking, “Is Merz really proposing that the biggest country in Europe should be the one breaking European law?” He emphasized the need for a united European front against potential U.S. tariffs, asserting, “What Mr. Merz is proposing here is against German interests.”
When questioned about possible EU responses to Trump’s tariff threats, both leaders acknowledged the necessity for countermeasures. Merz noted that tariffs could be a viable option, recalling a 2018 agreement between then-European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Trump to avoid new tariffs. His approach emphasized the importance of strong European unity in negotiations.
Scholz, on the other hand, conveyed confidence in Europe’s preparedness for any eventualities, stating, “We are prepared for this. The answer is, with the greatest diplomatic caution, we can act as the European Union with an hour.”
The debate concluded with both leaders offering ambiguous strategies for engaging with Trump, with Merz describing him as “predictably unpredictable” and emphasizing the need for a unified European response. Scholz reiterated his commitment to a strategy of “clear words and friendly talks.”