German chancellor candidates engage with public in live town hall ahead of election
dw.com —
Germany's federal election is set for February 23, following the collapse of the current coalition government in November. The four main candidates will answer public questions on live television, with right-wing parties leading in polls. Friedrich Merz's Christian Democrats and Alice Weidel's Alternative for Germany are polling at around 30% and 20%, respectively. Incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats are in third place with 15%, while the Green Party is fourth with just over 13%. During a recent debate, candidates discussed key issues like the economy and migration. Weidel expressed support for Donald Trump and called for Germany to remain neutral in the Ukraine conflict, differing from her rivals' views.