U.S. comments fuel tensions in final week of German election campaign

Germany's election campaign enters its final week amid rising tensions over U.S. Vice President JD Vance's comments supporting the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). His remarks sparked protests and heated debates among candidates, with Friedrich Merz and Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejecting U.S. interference. Polls show Merz's party leading at 30%, while the AfD is gaining support, expected to reach around 20%. The campaign has focused on migration issues, intensified by recent violent incidents linked to asylum seekers. As the election approaches, Germany faces a rift with the U.S. over the Ukraine war. Chancellor Scholz emphasized Europe's need for involvement in discussions, countering claims that decisions would be made without European input.