Germany: Merz Rules Out AfD Coalition in Election Debate
The Facts
Four German party leaders last week engaged in a televised debate ahead of the Feb. 23 election. This comes as Friedrich Merz's CDU leads in the polls at 30%, followed by Alice Weidel's AfD at 20%, Chancellor Olaf Scholz's SPD at 15%, and Robert Haneck's Greens with 13%.
Merz explicitly ruled out cooperation with the AfD, indicating openness instead to potential coalitions with either the SPD or Greens while expressing doubts about the FDP, which is polling below the 5% parliamentary threshold.
The debate covered issues including Germany's economy, which saw gross domestic product (GDP) decline 0.2% in 2024 – the second successive year that it has contracted. Merz claimed bureaucracy had to be controlled to increase growth, while Weidel blamed the green energy transition.
The Spin
Left narrative
As the election approaches, it’s vital for Germany to prioritize stability and moderation in governance. With the far-right on the march, especially being encouraged by the likes of Vance and Musk, it's clear that their divisive rhetoric and extreme positions pose a real threat to democratic institutions. Voters should support centrist parties that advocate for unity and practical solutions to the challenges facing our country, rather than giving in to extremism.
Right narrative
Germany is at an inflection point. Years of weak border policies have enabled millions of undocumented migrants to flood in, leading to spikes in crime and social unrest. Meanwhile, the economy is stagnating under high taxes, crippling regulations, and unsustainable welfare policies. The ruling elite can no longer put globalist ideals over cries for stronger borders and economic reform, a message that will once again become all too clear on results day.
