Germany's election campaign heats up as US Vice President comments on far-right party

Germany's election campaign enters its final week, marked by rising tensions over U.S. Vice President JD Vance's comments supporting the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). His remarks sparked protests in Berlin and heated debates among candidates. Friedrich Merz, leading in polls, criticized Vance's interference, while Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the comments "unacceptable." The AfD's Alice Weidel praised Vance for advocating dialogue with voters, reflecting the party's growing support amid a contentious migration debate. The election, now set for February 23, follows the collapse of Scholz's coalition. Polls show around 30 percent of voters remain undecided, with the AfD expected to achieve a record vote share.