Robert Habeck Pushes for Inclusion in German Election TV Debate

Despite leading in popularity polls, the Green Party candidate continues to be excluded from the ARD and ZDF televised debate format.

Robert Habeck, Green Party candidate, has called on supporters to boost poll numbers in an effort to secure a spot in the televised debate with Olaf Scholz (SPD) and Friedrich Merz (CDU).
Recent polls commissioned by ARD and ZDF show Habeck as the most popular candidate, with the Greens surpassing the SPD in voter support for the first time in two years.
ARD and ZDF remain firm on their decision to host a two-person debate, citing editorial considerations, and have offered Habeck a separate debate with AfD candidate Alice Weidel, which he declined.
The Greens argue that excluding Habeck from the main debate misrepresents voter choices and undermines the principle of equal opportunity in election coverage.
Private broadcaster RTL has also planned a two-person debate featuring Scholz and Merz, further sidelining the Green Party's representation in key election discussions.