A televised debate with the top candidates of the German parties, including the Christian Social Union, Social Democratic Party, the Greens, Free Democratic Party, Alternative for Germany, and the Free Voters, took place on Wednesday. The discussion, moderated by Christian Nitsche and Stephanie Stauss, covered various topics, including the Bundeswehr and the planned re-introduction of conscription.
AfD candidate Protschka was particularly targeted by Alexander Dobrindt and Martin Hagen, with the moderator and other candidates interrupting his responses and making it difficult for him to present his views.
When Protschka stated that Germany should defend itself militarily, Alexander Dobrindt of the Christian Social Union jumped in, accusing the AfD of wanting to leave the NATO. This is not in line with the AfD’s party program, but Dobrindt’s persistent questioning made it difficult for Protschka to finish a sentence.
Protschka later emphasized the need for a re-introduction of conscription, which he believed would be a priority under a government involving the Christian Social Union. He also stated that the Bundeswehr should only be used for homeland defense and disaster relief, not for military missions around the world, like in Mali, where German troops are fighting for French interests.
When the moderator asked, “Bündnisverteidigung – ja oder nein?” (Alliance defense – yes or no?), Protschka responded affirmatively, and Martin Hagen of the Free Democratic Party followed up by asking, “If the Russians attack the Baltic states, would you be there?” and added sarcastically, “On our side, not the other.”
Protschka countered by saying, “I am a German and will always defend Germany, regardless of who attacks.”
He also criticized the Greens for their arms deliveries to crisis zones, stating that Germany should focus on negotiations, which have not been the case so far.
In the aftermath, FDP candidate Martin Hagen shared a clip of the debate on social media, cutting out Protschka’s response about defending Germany, and attacked Protschka’s answer on defending the Baltic states.
This incident highlights the aggressive behavior of some politicians, particularly Martin Hagen, who, despite his party’s poor election prospects, still displays an air of superiority.