Scholz Versus Merz: Who wins the race for the chancellor's chair?

Scholz Versus Merz: Who wins the race for the chancellor's chair?

In the first TV duel between Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and Friedrich Merz (CDU), the heated argument caused exciting headlines. Scholz presented himself as the more aggressive opponent and emphasized that after the election he wanted to pursue a clear line in migration policy. "We have to act clearly and firmly," he said, pointing out the need not to accept violent acts, as recently in Aschaffenburg. Merz, on the other hand, rejected Scholz 'allegations and emphasized that there would be no cooperation between the CDU and AfD. "There will not be this cooperation," he stated. Kleine Zeitung reported a scandal when the Union, FDP and AfD voted together two days later.

Current survey values ​​show clear favorites

With only a few weeks until the Bundestag election on February 23, a variety of surveys show that Merz and the CDU/CSU are clearly ahead of Scholz and the SPD with a lead of 29 to 34 percent, which only reach 15 to 18 percent. Scholz has not managed to close the gap of up to 17 percentage points in the last 14 days, such as MOZ.de This is also reflected in the personal popularity of politicians, in which Scholz ranks behind Merz.

The TV duel marks the start of the intensive campaign phase, and Merz sees itself in the pole position. Scholz, on the other hand, fights against the time, while the surveys continue to speak against him and the political landscape is increasingly shifting in favor of the Union. The signs in Berlin are clear: While Scholz is challenged to rethink his strategy, Merz could take the chance to further consolidate and even expand his voter base.