Germany Set for Snap Elections with Four Candidates, Including Far-Right Leader

As Germany approaches its snap elections, four candidates are competing for the chancellorship: incumbent Olaf Scholz, opposition leader Friedrich Merz, current vice chancellor Robert Habeck, and far-right candidate Alice Weidel. Scholz, 66, has been in office since December 2021 and has faced significant challenges, including military modernization and economic stabilization amid crises. Merz, 69, leads the center-right Union bloc and focuses on curbing irregular migration, despite his lack of direct government experience. Habeck, representing the Greens, has seen a rise in the party's popularity but faces scrutiny over his climate policies. Weidel, 46, is the first candidate from the far-right Alternative for Germany party, but her controversial views on immigration have limited her support. The election reflects a diverse political landscape, with voters set to choose a leader who aligns with their vision for Germany's future.