Overview

• The TV debate between Olaf Scholz and Friedrich Merz showcased role reversals, with Scholz adopting an aggressive stance and Merz presenting himself as a composed statesman.
• Key topics included migration policies, economic strategies, and defense spending, with both candidates offering familiar arguments but little innovation.
• Scholz criticized Merz for alleged alignment with the far-right AfD in parliamentary votes, while Merz countered by highlighting inconsistencies in Scholz's past statements on the issue.
• Merz's surprise openness to discussing a potential relaxation of Germany's debt brake marked a notable moment, prompting speculation about internal CDU debates on fiscal policy.
• Media reactions described the debate as lacking vision, with commentators noting that neither candidate effectively addressed Germany's pressing challenges or inspired undecided voters.