As Germany gears up for its upcoming election, four candidates are vying to become the country's next leader. Let's take a closer look at each of them:
Olaf Scholz
Olaf Scholz, the 66-year-old incumbent, has been serving as Germany's chancellor since December 2021. With a background in government that includes stints as Hamburg's mayor and German labor and finance minister, Scholz has faced various challenges during his tenure, from military modernization efforts to economic revitalization.
Friedrich Merz
Opposition leader Friedrich Merz, 69, has led the center-right Union bloc and the Christian Democratic Union party. While lacking government experience, Merz has focused on issues such as curbing irregular migration and steering his party in a more conservative direction.
Robert Habeck
Robert Habeck, 55, represents the environmentalist Greens and currently serves as Germany's vice chancellor and economy and climate minister. Habeck's tenure has seen a rise in the Greens' popularity, though his ministry's initiatives have received mixed reviews.
Alice Weidel
For the first time, the far-right Alternative for Germany party has put forward a candidate for chancellor in the form of 46-year-old economist Alice Weidel. Despite her leadership roles within the party, Weidel faces challenges in securing broader political support due to the AfD's controversial stance on immigration.
As the election approaches, each candidate brings a unique perspective and set of priorities to the table, reflecting the diverse political landscape in Germany. Voters will have the opportunity to choose the leader who aligns most closely with their vision for the country's future.
