Overview

• Friedrich Merz was rated as the most convincing candidate by 32% of viewers in a Forsa poll, followed by Olaf Scholz at 26%.
• Scholz adopted a dominant approach, leveraging his government record and challenging opponents, particularly Alice Weidel, on key issues.
• Robert Habeck struggled with the debate format but resonated with younger viewers and delivered a personal, emotional closing statement.
• Alice Weidel's performance was criticized for its lack of impact, with fact-checks debunking several of her claims, including on energy prices and migration.
• The debate addressed critical topics like migration, taxation, and education, with fact-checks revealing inaccuracies in statements from all candidates.