Steel has become a focal point in German politics as Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the Social Democrats (SPD) visited thyssenkrupp Steel in Duisburg. This visit comes ahead of the national elections and is seen as a response to remarks by his political rival, Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democrats (CDU), who questioned the economic feasibility of "green" steel. Scholz emphasized the need for improved framework conditions, including capping electricity grid fees, to support the steel industry during the energy transition.