ARD and ZDF Face Criticism Over Controversial TV Debate Format for Bundestagswahl
The broadcasters defend their two-duel approach, while Robert Habeck declines participation and other politicians offer to step in.
- ARD and ZDF plan two televised debates for the 2024 Bundestagswahl: one between Olaf Scholz (SPD) and Friedrich Merz (CDU), and another between Robert Habeck (Greens) and Alice Weidel (AfD).
- Robert Habeck has declined to participate in the debate with Alice Weidel, citing prior communication that his campaign would not accept such an invitation.
- The broadcasters defend their decision, citing the principle of 'graduated equality of opportunity,' which allocates airtime based on factors like previous election results and current polling.
- FDP leader Christian Lindner and BSW leader Sahra Wagenknecht have publicly offered to replace Habeck in the debate with Weidel.
- A final multi-party debate featuring all leading candidates is scheduled for February 20, just days before the February 23 election.