Chancellor Olaf Scholz proposed a €100 billion investment fund for Germany’s modernization in a speech at a Social Democratic Party event, emphasizing the need for public and private investment in infrastructure. He pledged a 10% tax rebate for companies investing in Germany if reelected, arguing that excessive saving threatens the country’s future. Scholz criticized the opposition conservatives for lacking proposals to address infrastructure needs. As Germany approaches a snap election on February 23, recent polls show Scholz narrowing the gap with conservative leader Friedrich Merz, although the CDU/CSU still holds a significant lead.