German Campaign Sparks Into Life With Testy Candidates Debate

The German election campaign has officially kicked off with a heated debate between the two main candidates, Olaf Scholz of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). The debate, which took place on 11 February 2025, was watched by more than 40 percent of the audience, indicating the high level of interest in the upcoming elections.

The debate was characterized by a lack of fierce verbal attacks, but commentators' assessments of the outcome varied widely. While some praised Scholz's performance, others believed that Merz had the upper hand. The debate focused on various issues, including migration policy, which has been a contentious topic in the German political landscape.

In the weeks leading up to the debate, the German Bundestag voted on proposals to tighten migration policy, with the CDU/CSU opposition parliamentary group introducing two motions. The first motion, which was supported by a fiercely debated majority, included the introduction of permanent border controls and was backed by the Alternative for Germany (AfD), a party suspected of right-wing extremism by the country's domestic intelligence agency. The second motion, which focused on specific changes to the immigration laws, failed to pass.

The AfD's involvement in the migration policy debate has raised concerns about the party's growing influence and the potential impact on the political climate in Germany. The upcoming elections will likely see a strong showing from the AfD, which could further intensify political polarisation and challenge coalition-building among traditional parties.

As the campaign continues, the parties will need to address the pressing issues facing Germany, including the economic downturn and the need for political stability. The outcome of the elections will have significant implications for the country's future, both domestically and in its relations with the European Union and other international partners.

In conclusion, the German election campaign has officially begun with a testy debate between the two main candidates. The debate highlighted the importance of migration policy and the growing influence of the far-right AfD party. As the campaign progresses, the parties will need to address the pressing issues facing Germany and present a clear vision for the country's future. The outcome of the elections will have significant implications for the political landscape and the country's relations with the European Union and other international partners.