Berlin: US President Donald's Trump's plan relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip came in for severe flak from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz who called it 'a scandal'.
Scholz was talking during the first televised debate on Sunday with the leader of the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Friedrich Merz ahead of Bundestag elections on February 23.
One of the key topics discussed was how Germany should engage with the United States under Trump's administration. Addressing the Middle East issue, Scholz reaffirmed his opposition to Trump's Gaza proposal, Xinhua news agency reported.
Already, Germany, like many European leaders, is at odds with Trump's policies on Ukraine including his working with Russian President Putin with a virtual rejection of Ukraine President Vlodomy Zelensky's positions in the confrontation with Russia. The difference of opinion on Gaza plan comes on top of that.
At a campaign event on Friday, Scholz expressed his strong disapproval of Donald Trump's Gaza plan, stating, "We must not resettle the population of Gaza to Egypt," and emphasizing his "complete rejection" of the proposal.
During Sunday's debate, Scholz outlined his approach to dealing with Trump, emphasising the need for "clear words and friendly conversations". Merz also expressed concerns over Trump's proposal, describing it as "part of a series of irritating proposals from the American Administration". However, Merz suggested a more cautious approach, recommending that Germany wait to see which plans the US government intends to pursue "seriously".
On the issue of potential US tariffs, Scholz has made it clear that the European Union is ready to respond swiftly, vowing to "act within an hour" if necessary.
Merz, meanwhile, emphasised the importance of European unity, including cooperation with Britain despite Brexit, called for "a common European strategy" to tackle challenges.
Their debate also covered key domestic issues, including the economy, immigration, and the impact of ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The upcoming snap elections are seen as a crucial test for Scholz's Social Democratic Party (SPD), which currently polls at 16 per cent. The conservative CDU and its Bavarian sister party, Christian Social Union (CSU), lead the polls with stable support of around 30 per cent.
(Inputs from IANS)
