Olaf Scholz and Friedrich Merz Face Off in First Televised Debate Ahead of Bundestag Election

The SPD Chancellor and CDU challenger clashed over migration, economy, and social policies in a 90-minute debate broadcast by ARD and ZDF.

The debate, moderated by Sandra Maischberger (ARD) and Maybrit Illner (ZDF), marked the first of two direct confrontations between Scholz and Merz before the February 23 Bundestag election.
Key topics included migration policy, economic strategies, climate action, and social justice, with both candidates presenting their visions for Germany's future.
Friedrich Merz criticized Olaf Scholz's record as Chancellor, while Scholz warned of potential CDU cooperation with the far-right AfD after the election.
The debate was broadcast live on ARD and ZDF, with streaming options available on their platforms and additional coverage in talk shows following the event.
The exclusion of other party leaders, such as Robert Habeck (Greens) and Alice Weidel (AfD), from this debate drew criticism, particularly from the Greens, who questioned the democratic fairness of the format.