Chancellor Olaf Saltz (SPD) and the candidate of the Christian Union (CDU/CSU) Friedrich Mertz today raised its tones between them in the context of the last Bundestag plenary session before the February 23 election.

Mr Saltz warned of “difficult days”, while Mr Mertz criticized the government’s policy, while leaving open the possibility of post -election cooperation with the Social Democratic Party (SPD).

“We have the opposite wind and this will not change at present. I do not promise citizens the sky with stars. No, “the Chancellor said and accused his opponent of excessive pre -election promises. ‘Tell citizens where the money you are promising“, He said characteristically and assured:” We will spend that too. ” Referring to himself, Olf Saltz spoke of “leading power, steel nerves and a clear direction, what matters in these difficult times”, as he said, because of both the continued war in Ukraine and “a all -in -law” US, energy crisis and inflation.

Mr Saltz once again rejected Friedrich Mertz’s plans for immigration, pointing out that they are “harming German interests” and highlighted the need to maintain the cohesion of the European Union, which he said is undermined by plans that violate Europeans. rules. Looking towards the Alternative for Germany (AFD), the Chancellor recalled that the Union’s proposals were supported by the far -right and said that “citizens now know that if Friedrich Mertz encounters Democratic parties, he will meet his democratic parties. Together with them ”(ie AfD), again accusing the CDU leader of ‘irresponsible gambling’, who failed” thanks to the democratic majority in this parliament and decent people in your party and the Liberal Party (FDP ). Right extremism is still a danger and the SPD is the big embankment against him, Olf Saltz said.

Referring to the duties that the new US government threatens to impose on European products, the Chancellor expressed the conviction that the EU would react as a whole in order to protect its interests. “If the US does not leave us another choice, EU member states will react together. As the largest market in the world with 450 million citizens, we have the power to do it, “he said, while expressing hope that the US will change stance and avoid triggering a cycle of duty and anti-teaching. “Commercial wars always end up costing prosperity on both sides. Even without trade war, fierce competition from the US, China and other emerging areas will continue to exert tremendous pressure on our economy, “Mr Saltz said and promised new measures to support German industry, including a subsidy of his subsidy. “Made in Germany”.

Friedrich Mertz, for his part, accused Olaf Saltz of “25 minutes of premeditated indignation against the opposition leader” and reminded the “chaos” in the government coalition. “You are leaving the Chancellor with three million unemployed. What you did in the labor market is a disaster, “Mr Mertz said, accusing both Mr Saltz and the Vice -Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Hambeck (Greens) of” led businesses to the wall “and now calling on citizens to continue for another four years.

Friedrich Mertz reiterated once again that he did not intend to work with the far -right. “This is out of the debate and he knows this and the Chancellor,” he said, acknowledging that the AfD polls were strengthened and dismissed the SPD responsibility for it. “The opposition is obviously not to blame. This is the result of your government policy, “he said to the SPD, which, he predicted, will have much fewer MPs in the next House. “Half of you may no longer be here next week and therefore you have to set up a different show,” he said.

On the issue of Ukraine, the CDU leader praised Olf Saltz’s decision to modernize the Armed Forces, but spoke of a decision that remained only on paper and claimed defense spending at least 2% of GDP.

Despite all the differences and high tones, Friedrich Mertz appeared open in collaboration with the SPD: “There is also February 24th and then a new government should be formed by a parliamentary majority,” he said and warned that if the parliamentary center should not be formed. Controlled the country’s problems, the AfD will continue to grow and approach the majority. “This is a responsibility that you cannot avoid and we will not avoid it,” he said, with a look at the SPD.