BERLIN — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz labeled President Donald Trump’s idea of the United States taking control of the Gaza Strip, moving its inhabitants, and redeveloping the area as a “scandal” during a pre-election debate held on Sunday. His key opponent, Friedrich Merz, also expressed his discomfort with the proposal but mentioned that it might stem from “a lot of rhetoric” emerging from the U.S. capital.
The center-left Scholz along with center-right challenger Merz, who currently leads in the polls for the February 23 election, tackled essential domestic matters like Germany’s economic difficulties and migration challenges, while also touching upon international relations in light of Trump’s recent inauguration.
When posed with a question regarding Trump’s vision of transforming Gaza into “the Riviera of the Middle East,” Scholz did not hold back. He stated, “A scandal. Besides that, a really terrible expression,” especially considering the visible devastation in the region. “The relocation of populations is unacceptable and against international law,” he emphasized during the debate broadcasted on ARD and ZDF public television, referencing concerns from neighboring Egypt and Jordan.
Merz concurred with Scholz’s assessment, stating, “I share this assessment.” However, he noted that this notion was part of a broader set of proposals from the U.S. administration that are indeed troubling, yet urged patience to understand which ideas are seriously intended and how they may come to fruition, acknowledging that “there’s probably a lot of rhetoric in this.”
The candidates also differed on Trump’s directive for the federal government to recognize only two genders—male and female. Merz expressed, “It is a decision I can understand,” whereas Scholz countered, “I think it’s inappropriate. Every person should be happy the way they want to be happy.”
Merz highlighted the unpredictability of the new U.S. president, noting significant worries on this side of the Atlantic regarding forthcoming actions, which amplifies the necessity for American and European unity. Should he be elected, he pledged to devote considerable effort to strengthening this unity across Europe.
Scholz articulated his approach to engaging with Trump, emphasizing “clear words and friendly conversations.” He pointed to his own statements following Trump’s suggestion of potential military interventions concerning territories like the Panama Canal and Greenland, reaffirming that all nations must honor existing borders.
Highlighting European solidarity, Scholz remarked on ongoing endeavors among European nations to bolster NATO’s presence in Greenland. Regarding potential U.S. tariffs targeting the EU, he asserted, “We are prepared … We can act in an hour as the European Union.”
