Germany prepares for early elections as manufacturing sector faces crisis

Germany is set to hold early federal elections this weekend, prompted by Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition collapse. The focus is on the struggling manufacturing sector, which has lost nearly 250,000 jobs since the pandemic began. High energy costs and competition from China are major challenges for German industries, particularly in automotive and energy-intensive sectors. Politicians are promising tax cuts and reduced energy costs to address these issues. Friedrich Merz, frontrunner for chancellor, is leading with a focus on economic recovery. The rise of anti-immigration sentiment is also influencing voter concerns as the country faces a manufacturing crisis.