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Scholz criticizes Merz amid uncertainties for Germany’s post-election coalition

by editor

BERLIN — As Germany approaches its election in less than a month, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, representing the center-left, has cast doubt on the likelihood of re-establishing the traditional grand coalition. He expressed his inability to trust conservative leader Friedrich Merz, particularly following a contentious vote in the Bundestag.

The Bundestag recently passed a nonbinding motion, introduced by the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU), permitting the rejection of asylum-seekers at the border. The vote was notably close, concluding at 348 in favor versus 344 against, and saw the CDU/CSU receive support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the fiscally conservative Free Democrats (FDP). Scholz characterized this alliance as a “historic breach of taboo.”

“The consensus that democratic parties do not cooperate with the extreme right was broken today,” Scholz stated in an interview with German public broadcaster ARD. “Merz had repeatedly assured that this wouldn’t happen. That’s why I can’t trust him anymore, although I did a week ago.”

This vote marked a significant moment in German politics, as it was the first occasion where the CDU actively sought the backing of the AfD to advance legislation. Scholz accused Merz and his party of “deliberately accepting” AfD support to push their policy agenda through parliament.

Shifting political landscape

For many years, Germany’s mainstream political factions maintained a strict boundary against the far-right, refusing to form coalitions or engage in cooperation at any level in order to prevent the normalization of their presence. However, as the AfD gains traction in the polls and secures victories in local elections, the integrity of this firewall appears to be crumbling.

Currently, Merz’s CDU is leading in national opinion polls, positioning him as the likely candidate to form a government following the elections on February 23. Despite this, no party is anticipated to achieve an outright majority, leading to discussions around the possibility of a CDU-SPD grand coalition reminiscent of the arrangement under Chancellor Angela Merkel from 2013 to 2021.

Uncertain future for coalition talks

Nonetheless, Scholz’s pointed remarks suggest deepening divisions that could hinder the feasibility of such an alliance. “My goal now is to prevent a majority of CDU and AfD at all costs,” he articulated, indicating a potentially lengthy struggle for power on the horizon. Should the chancellor remain steadfast in his commitment, Germany may face significant political gridlock in the weeks or even months following the election.

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