In the lead-up to the Bundestag elections, the four leading candidates from the SPD, CDU, Greens, and AfD engaged in a robust television debate, addressing pivotal political issues such as fuel prices, immigration, and economic policies.

During the two-hour session, Olaf Scholz, Friedrich Merz, Robert Habeck, and Alice Weidel presented various claims and statistics, sparking intense discussions. Below is a fact-check of some of their key statements.

Alice Weidel on Fuel Prices

AfD candidate Alice Weidel asserted that Germany's carbon pricing would elevate fuel prices by up to one euro per liter. She criticized the country's energy policy, claiming it resulted in the highest electricity costs globally.

Fact Check: The claim regarding rising fuel prices is valid. The carbon price per ton increased from 45 to 55 euros at the start of 2025, contributing to a price rise of approximately three cents per liter for gasoline and diesel. However, the assertion that Germany has the highest electricity prices is inaccurate. Countries like Italy and Ireland have higher household electricity charges than Germany.

Olaf Scholz on Deportations

Chancellor Olaf Scholz claimed that the number of deportations had risen by 70% since 2021, attributing this to his administration's policies aimed at curbing irregular migration.

Fact Check: This statement is accurate. The deportations have increased from 11,982 in 2021 to 20,084 in 2024, marking a significant rise. Nevertheless, this figure does not account for the much higher deportation rates seen in previous years, such as over 25,000 in 2016.

Friedrich Merz on Development Aid to Afghanistan

CDU candidate Friedrich Merz claimed that Germany provides 300 million euros in development aid to Afghanistan, questioning the lack of negotiations with the Taliban regarding this aid.

Fact Check: While it is true that Germany has allocated significant humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, the figure Merz mentioned appears to conflate historical aid with current commitments. Since the Taliban's takeover, the German government has suspended direct bilateral aid and does not engage in negotiations with the Taliban.

Robert Habeck on Wealth of Billionaires

Robert Habeck, representing the Greens, indicated that the number of billionaires in Germany increased to 130, with their wealth growing by 28 billion euros in the past year.

Fact Check: This claim is partly accurate. Recent reports state that there are actually 249 billionaires in Germany, an increase from the previous year, and their combined wealth rose significantly. However, Habeck's figures on both the number of billionaires and the exact amount of wealth growth appear to be miscalculated.

As the elections approach, the scrutiny of political statements becomes increasingly critical. Accurate information is essential for voters to make informed decisions.