Merz and Scholz make final appeals to German voters ahead of election

Friedrich Merz and Chancellor Olaf Scholz made their final appeals to voters ahead of Germany's election on Sunday. Polls indicate Merz is likely to win, with his party, CDU/CSU, holding steady at around 30%. Merz promised not to raise taxes to fund investments in defense and infrastructure. He aims to cut social benefits and support for refugees instead. Scholz, facing a potential defeat, expressed his determination to continue running for chancellor. The far-right Alternative for Germany is in second place at about 20%, while Scholz's SPD is third at around 15%. Merz may need coalition partners to secure a parliamentary majority.