In a recent development, Alternative for Germany (AfD)’s top candidate, Alice Weidel, has accepted the offer of Christian Democratic Union (CDU) candidate Friedrich Merz for a televised debate before the federal election. Weidel expressed her enthusiasm for the direct confrontation with Merz, stating, “Of course, I’m looking forward to a direct exchange with Friedrich Merz.”
Merz, the CDU chair, had earlier publicly announced his willingness to engage in a debate with Weidel over specific issues, rather than participating in a discussion with the current Chancellor, Olaf Scholz (SPD). “I would like to publicly discuss these issues with Mrs. Weidel. And I will not avoid the discussion with her” Merz said during an event at the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.
It appears that Merz has less enthusiasm for a debate with the incumbent Chancellor, as he jokingly mentioned that a discussion with Scholz would likely become dull by the first half of the broadcast. Merz had previously indicated that a debate with Weidel would be intense, stating, “The rags will fly.” Weidel expressed her willingness to engage in the debate, saying, “If he wants to ‘let the rags fly’ as he put it, I’m happy to take on the challenge in a high-reach broadcaster against him. The voters are certainly eager to see the leading candidates in a direct duel.”
The location of the potential TV debate remains to be determined. Gerhard Kohlenbach, the chief editor of politics at RTL, expressed the network’s willingness to broadcast the debate, stating, “Of course, we’re ready to broadcast the exciting exchange if Mrs. Weidel and Mr. Merz decide to face off against each other.