A week before the federal election, the Chancellor candidates from the Union, SPD and Greens exchanged blows in another television debate.
Anna Sauerbrey, deputy editor-in-chief:
This duel was the black bread among duels – healthy and filling. The candidates switched to serious, Laschet’s toxic personal attacks on Scholz from the second duel did not materialize this time.
On the subject: Sure, again it wasn’t about foreign policy. But it was about issues that concern many people, especially the weaker ones, which are not often the focus of public debates: low wages, single parents, carers, children.
Karin Christmann, responsible editor for opinion department:
A lively trio, moderated comparatively tightly. The effort to present real-life topics was noticeable and was not so bad at the beginning, even if the presentation turned out to be a bit boulevard-esque at times. From the middle, however, it became confusing and the debate frayed.
Baerbock was lively and aggressive, Scholz played to his strengths, presented himself confidently and as if he already had one foot in the Chancellery. The thematic cut of the show did not suit Laschet, for him the evening cannot be considered a success.
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Kurt Sagatz, media editor:
Slight weaknesses after a strong start: Even a trial is more of a marathon and less of a sprint. After a strong start with real-life topics, the show lost a bit of focus. Scholz’s remarks on money laundering looked like a repetition of last Sunday.
Felix Hackenbruch, Political Editor:
It’s getting very tight for Armin Laschet. In the third and last TV triall, especially in the first hour, he regularly comes into the red-green wing and experiences a three-on-one situation. On the one hand, a CDU candidate for Chancellor who looks a little tired, on the other, an aggressive Baerbock, a sovereign Scholz and a range of topics where the conservative can score little. He clearly misses his goal of finally getting hold of his worst adversary for the Chancellery. Scholz experienced a quiet evening and can look forward to the coming Sunday.
