Berlin: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz commended German-speaking immigrants in his speech during a party rally, saying they are a "part of Germany" and its democracy. The German Social Democratic Party (SPD) launched its campaign for the Feb. 23, 2025, early general elections through an Election Victory Conference in Berlin, where Scholz, the SPD's chancellor candidate, emphasized the need for foreign skilled workers. According to Anadolu Agency, Scholz highlighted research indicating that Germany will require 288,000 foreign skilled workers annually until 2040. He criticized the main opposition Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) for their reluctance to accept Germany as a country of immigration, noting that 25 million people living in the country have a migration background. Scholz expressed his desire for unity, stating, "I want to tell them with all my heart that we belong together as neighbors and colleagues, as friends at school and in sports clubs. We are all part of Germany. We will not allow ourselves to b e divided." Scholz voiced his outrage over main opposition leader Friedrich Merz's statement about canceling the new citizenship law if elected, asserting, "I think that everyone who lives and works here permanently, who is well integrated and speaks our language should be part of our country. They should have a say in our democracy." Furthermore, Scholz outlined his economic strategy to protect employment in the industrial sector, invest in infrastructure, support domestic investment, and address the skilled worker shortage. He also proposed reforming the 'debt brake' application to facilitate investment in Germany. The chancellor also commented on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, warning against Russian President Vladimir Putin's "imperialism," which he claimed threatens both Ukraine and European peace. Scholz stated, "If Putin succeeds in his imperialist war, our security will also be in grave danger."