Coalition Talks Begin in Germany as Election Nears

germany - With less than two weeks until the early elections, coalition discussions have started in Germany, the largest economy in Europe.

Coalition Talks Underway in Germany

In less than two weeks, Germany will head to the polls to determine the new parliament. The upcoming elections, shadowed by the rise of the far-right, feature a close race between the opposition's candidate Friedrich Merz and the incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Candidates in the Race

Alongside Scholz and Merz, the Green Party's candidate Robert Habeck and AfD's first-ever chancellor candidate Alice Weidel are also in the running. While polls suggest Merz leads the race, the question of which parties will form the coalition government remains unanswered.

Key Issues and Debates

The election agenda is dominated by topics such as illegal migration and the struggling economy. The possibility of a 'grand coalition' between CDU/CSU and SPD is being considered as the most likely scenario for the new government.

Challenges Ahead

The upcoming government will also face challenges in handling the alarming economic situation, marked by consecutive years of decline and energy crises.

Television Debates and Public Response

Last night, Scholz and Merz engaged in a televised debate, discussing issues ranging from immigration to the economy. The upcoming debate on February 16 will feature a broader panel of candidates including AfD's Weidel and Green Party's Habeck.