"BERLIN, Dec 31 (Reuters) - Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged his fellow Germans to participate in the upcoming snap elections in February amidst ongoing debates over immigration and the emergence of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), according to excerpts from a pre-released New Year's speech.
I appeal to you today: Please go vote! By looking around in the world, you will know what a great accomplishment free and fair elections are, Scholz stated in the speech scheduled to broadcast at 1910 GMT.
Following the collapse of a divisive coalition government led by Scholz, which included his Social Democrats, the Greens, and the pro-business FDP, Germans will cast their votes in a parliamentary election on Feb. 23.
Scholz also referenced a recent conflict involving U.S. billionaire Elon Musk, who has supported the AfD and demanded Scholz's resignation following a fatal attack in Magdeburg.
In his address, Scholz emphasized that the fate of Germany will not be determined by the controllers of social media platforms.
It will not be the person who shouts the loudest who decides Germany's path ahead - rather, this responsibility will fall on the vast majority of rational and decent individuals, he added.
A car-ramming incident at a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg on Dec. 20 resulted in five fatalities and around 200 injuries, reigniting discussions on immigration restrictions and stricter deportation policies."