Scholz was referring to CDU MP Roderich Kiesewetter saying that the sitting chancellor is planning to meet with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in Moscow before the German federal elections scheduled for Feb. 23.
“This is a false claim,” the chancellor said, addressing Kiesewetter.
“You cannot do something like this. It's very improper.”
Scholz's spokesperson, Steffen Hebestreit, also denied the opposition politician's statements, calling them "slander."
On Nov. 15, 2024, Olaf Scholz held a phone conversation with Putin for the first time in nearly two years. DW reported the conversation lasted about an hour. During the call, Scholz condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and urged Putin to withdraw his troops.
After the call, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the German leader's initiative, describing it as a "Pandora's box" that could reopen top-level contacts between Western leaders and Putin.
On Nov. 17, Scholz stated that the call was meant to demonstrate the West's unwavering support for Ukraine.
On Dec. 12, he indicated his readiness for further talks with the Russian dictator.