Elections in Germany: first televised debate of the three candidates for chancellery
From left to right, Christian Democrat Armin Laschet, environmentalist Annalena Baerbock and Social Democrat Olaf Scholz before the televised debate on the candidates for Angela Merkel's succession, in Berlin, August 29, 2021. via REUTERS - MICHAEL KAPPEL
Text by: RFI Follow
3 min
Four weeks before the eagerly awaited federal elections in Germany, the three candidates vying for the chancellery clashed this Sunday evening during a televised debate.
In recent days, the polls have given an advantage to Olaf Scholz's SPD, which is now ahead of the other two parties.
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With our correspondent in Berlin,
Pascal Thibaut
Two plus one.
The debate between the three candidates was above all marked by lively exchanges between the Christian Democrat Armin Laschet and the green Annalena Baerbock.
Armin Laschet on the defensive had nothing to lose and chose the attack.
He denounced the proposals of environmentalists on the climate endangering German industry and the risk of a government with the left party Die Linke.
The CDU is for him the movement of change in stability.
“
I've always had to face headwinds.
Today also,
admits Armin Laschet.
But are we not feeling the winds of change?
In such a moment, one must be resolute, reliable and have a compass.
"
►
To read also: Legislative in Germany: Merkel flies to the aid of the conservative candidate in difficulty
Annalena Baerbock
, big favorite in the spring and now in third place, attacked the
status quo
of the outgoing government and its two opponents. But she could well strike a coalition with one or the other in the fall. "
Two options are in the running in this election
: to continue like the grand coalition, not to act and to flee the problems or else a political renewal
", assures Annalena Baerbock.
The placid
Olaf Scholz
presented himself as an experienced politician, a great responsible financier who knew how to manage the country in the crisis and defended his social program.
"
We have seen during the last months what solidarity means for our society and my wish is that this holds true for the future and permeates our country
", affirms Olaf Scholz.
In a hot poll, 36% of those polled felt that Olaf Scholz was the winner of the debate in front of his two opponents.
►
See also: Elections in Germany: the Social Democrats back in the game
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Angela Merkel