Following the collapse of the Ampel coalition, Germany prepares for a challenging election campaign. Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended his decision to dismiss Finance Minister Christian Lindner, emphasizing the need for compromise. Opposition leader Friedrich Merz criticized Scholz for causing national divisions and accused his party of resorting to unethical campaign tactics, including AI-generated fake videos. With the election set for February 23, 2025, and the Union party polling significantly ahead, the political landscape remains contentious as parties strategize for the upcoming vote amid public concerns.