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But will Olaf Scholz, seen here on the campaign trail in Munich, win Sunday's election and become the new leader of Germany? Reuters
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Germany's social democratic SPD party candidate Olaf Scholz, who is in the running to replace Angela Merkel as Chancellor, speaks during an election campaign event in Lehrte, in the north of the country. AFP
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Mr Scholz has come out on top in three televised leadership debates by saying the least and allowing his rivals to bluster, and he looks well placed for a strong showing in the polls on Sunday. AFP
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‘He’s the smooth one who lets the others take the heat,’ said one viewer of Mr Scholz. AFP
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Election campaign posters on a roadside in Berlin show the top candidates Annalena Baerbock, Mr Scholz and Armin Laschet. EPA
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Olaf Scholz tries to woo more voters on the stage during an election campaign event at a former swimming pool in Wolfsburg, northern Germany. AFP
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He has sought to portray himself as Angela Merkel’s natural successor for the chancellorship. Reuters
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Polls open at 8am local time on Sunday, although it is expected that a record number of people will have voted early by post. AP Photo
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Olaf Scholz (L) takes part in the final televised debate, alongside Annalena Baerbock and Armin Laschet, in Berlin. Getty Images
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While a clear lead for Mr Laschet, Mr Scholz or Ms Baerbock would put them on course to be the next chancellor, it is likely to be weeks or months before they take office. Getty Images
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Mrs Merkel will remain in office until a new government is formed. After the 2017 election, it took six months to agree on the formation of the coalition. Getty Images
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Polls suggest the picture could be more complicated than ever this year, with at least three parties potentially needed to form a government. Getty Images
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But will Olaf Scholz, seen here on the campaign trail in Munich, win Sunday's election and become the new leader of Germany? Reuters
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MUVFPIQOF6H6L7ODGONCGJJHS4.jpg?smart=true&auth=1dc8405c8b3f03643c5dd4638e0bdc945cb8bc8f5be7b98060d0b7a646baebc6&width=400&height=225)
Germany's social democratic SPD party candidate Olaf Scholz, who is in the running to replace Angela Merkel as Chancellor, speaks during an election campaign event in Lehrte, in the north of the country. AFP
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Mr Scholz has come out on top in three televised leadership debates by saying the least and allowing his rivals to bluster, and he looks well placed for a strong showing in the polls on Sunday. AFP
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‘He’s the smooth one who lets the others take the heat,’ said one viewer of Mr Scholz. AFP
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Election campaign posters on a roadside in Berlin show the top candidates Annalena Baerbock, Mr Scholz and Armin Laschet. EPA
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Olaf Scholz tries to woo more voters on the stage during an election campaign event at a former swimming pool in Wolfsburg, northern Germany. AFP
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He has sought to portray himself as Angela Merkel’s natural successor for the chancellorship. Reuters
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QXUJ3UJX4VMTV6PW2TCRHHXS7Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=cf81ca05953c74542d1e02df529a038deeb7499460bd85a16998434a9f3e0ba1&width=400&height=225)
Polls open at 8am local time on Sunday, although it is expected that a record number of people will have voted early by post. AP Photo
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Olaf Scholz (L) takes part in the final televised debate, alongside Annalena Baerbock and Armin Laschet, in Berlin. Getty Images
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While a clear lead for Mr Laschet, Mr Scholz or Ms Baerbock would put them on course to be the next chancellor, it is likely to be weeks or months before they take office. Getty Images
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3DR5W3LD6GIU5XYX7G4WARYDRQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=1f30c6c9e78a075f9c66c0096567afa9353a5f19217634344e3dc77206a1842a&width=400&height=225)
Mrs Merkel will remain in office until a new government is formed. After the 2017 election, it took six months to agree on the formation of the coalition. Getty Images
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/722MGPSKYQMT6QHNPSLBWROSEQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=5d7d70343d5a40a93bcd826c6a938b76ac3cb6094ad967a9ca23e637d97064e0&width=400&height=225)
Polls suggest the picture could be more complicated than ever this year, with at least three parties potentially needed to form a government. Getty Images
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/YQDIXES73US4D2BIPSUALLM3LY.jpg?smart=true&auth=a55cd9d6ddb69561bdd829acef1d5624039f08fca698cd71b51379f5ff990f6f&width=400&height=225)
But will Olaf Scholz, seen here on the campaign trail in Munich, win Sunday's election and become the new leader of Germany? Reuters