Overview
- The ARD show’s new Monday slot drew criticism for failing to deliver coherent exchanges between ex-health minister Karl Lauterbach and Left Party elder Gregor Gysi.
- Moderator Sandra Maischberger’s steering led the discussion into a thematic zigzag covering topics from Trump and Putin to tax reform and coalition prospects without clear analysis.
- Gregor Gysi revealed he missed five heart medication pills before his opening Bundestag speech, a moment that underscored his uneven performance in the debate.
- Lauterbach defended corporate tax cuts for economic competitiveness while Gysi pressed for immediate relief for lower-income earners and noted about 830,000 full-time workers relying on benefits.
- Both politicians expressed guarded views on an SPD-Left coalition, with Gysi open to cooperation and Lauterbach calling for a more liberal Left Party before formal alliance.