Scholz and Merz Face Off in Final Debate

Published: 2025-02-19

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and opposition leader Friedrich Merz are set to face each other tonight in their final televised debate before the Bundestag elections.

The debate, airing at 8:15 PM on WELT TV and Bild, comes as polls show the CDU/CSU leading with 30-32%, while Scholz's SPD lags at 14-16%.

Both leaders aim to sway undecided voters, who make up a significant portion of the electorate.

The election, scheduled for Sunday, could see major shifts, with smaller parties like the FDP and the newly formed BSW struggling to cross the 5% threshold.

Meanwhile, the AfD is poised to double its 2021 results, polling at 20%.

The debate is expected to focus on key issues and strategies for Germany's future.