Germany Decides: The Four Contenders for Chancellor

Feb 19, 2025 Komal Das

Germany votes Sunday, with four contenders battling for chancellor amid major national challenges

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Olaf Scholz, 66, Germany's chancellor since 2021, faced crises but saw his coalition collapse over economic disputes

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Friedrich Merz, 69, CDU leader, emphasizes migration and conservative policies, returning to politics in 2021 after a corporate career

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Robert Habeck, 55, Greens candidate and vice chancellor, is noted for green energy policies but faced criticism for a controversial heating plan

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Alice Weidel, 46, AfD's far-right candidate, is popular with young voters but lacks coalition prospects as parties shun AfD

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