German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has condemned former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, calling it “a scandal.” Scholz’s remarks came during a heated televised debate on Sunday with Friedrich Merz, leader of the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU), ahead of Germany’s February 23 Bundestag elections.
The debate centered around how Germany should navigate its relationship with the U.S. under Trump’s administration. When discussing Middle East policy, Scholz made it clear that he opposes Trump’s Gaza relocation plan, which he described as both unacceptable and infeasible. During a campaign event earlier, Scholz voiced his “complete rejection” of the idea, stating, “We must not resettle the population of Gaza to Egypt.”
Merz, while also critical of the proposal, took a more cautious approach, acknowledging the “irritating proposals” coming from the Trump administration but suggesting that Germany should hold off on judgment until the U.S. government’s intentions become clearer.
Key Election Debate Issues
The debate also covered broader issues such as U.S. tariffs, with Scholz warning that the European Union is prepared to act quickly if necessary. Merz emphasized the need for European unity, calling for a cohesive strategy to tackle challenges, including Brexit and Ukraine.
The upcoming snap elections have become a significant test for Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), which is currently polling at 16 percent, trailing behind the CDU, which is leading the polls with a stable 30 percent support. The outcome could shape Germany’s approach to both domestic and international challenges in the coming years.
