Germany Election 2025: Economy, Ukraine, and J.D. Vance dominate final debate
The final televised debate between the four main candidates for Germany’s chancellorship focused on critical issues. Economy, Ukraine, and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s influence were at the forefront of discussions.
Economy: Germany’s struggle for growth
Germany’s slow economic growth over the past two years was a key topic. Friedrich Merz, candidate for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), emphasized the need to reduce bureaucracy. He criticized the previous government’s decision to shut down nuclear power plants during an energy crisis, calling it a major factor in rising energy costs.
Alice Weidel of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) agreed. She supported nuclear energy and blamed high prices on the transition to green energy. In contrast, Green Party candidate Robert Habeck argued that Germany’s reliance on Russian gas had weakened the economy. He stressed the need for infrastructure investment.
Social Democratic Party (SPD) candidate Olaf Scholz also blamed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine for rising energy prices. However, he insisted that prices had already stabilized and defended his government’s response to the crisis.
Ukraine and Germany’s role in the war
Support for Ukraine divided candidates. Merz affirmed that Germany stands firmly with Ukraine, rejecting neutrality. Habeck echoed this, noting that all parties except AfD backed Kyiv.
Weidel took a different stance. She warned that sending Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine would provoke Russia. She praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to negotiate peace. Merz responded by accusing Weidel of downplaying Russia’s aggression, warning that Vladimir Putin had his eyes on NATO territory.
J.D. Vance and transatlantic relations
A major debate moment came when the candidates addressed the recent meeting between U.S. officials and Weidel instead of Scholz. Weidel defended her party’s openness to both the U.S. and China. She also supported Vance’s controversial remarks at the Munich Security Conference, where he criticized European democracies and their resistance to far-right parties.
Merz rejected Vance’s influence, asserting that Germany’s leaders should decide their own political alliances. Habeck was the most vocal critic of the Trump administration, accusing the U.S. of undermining Western values and negotiating with Putin behind Europe’s back.
Merz declares victory
Merz emerged as the debate’s winner according to a Forsa poll, securing 32% of support. Habeck was seen as the most likable candidate but trailed in leadership confidence.
With the CDU leading the polls at 29%, Merz appears to be Germany’s next likely leader. AfD holds second place at 21%, but all major parties have ruled out a coalition with them. Merz signaled willingness to collaborate with SPD or the Greens, stating, “Germany must move forward. We need to take our foot off the brake.”
