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In the one-off television debate between German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her rival, social-democrat Peer Steinbrück, which was watched by 17.6m viewers, the two candidates took part in “an open and attacking match,” remarks Tagesspiegel.
The most significant differences were “on fiscal, labour and social policies,” explains the daily, which remarks that neither candidate emerged as a winner —
The debate, which was largely neutral in tone, offered nothing new [...] While Merkel vaunted the success of her government and the solidity of the German economy, Steinbrück sought to highlight its weaknesses.
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At the same time, both candidates announced they were against the formation of a “grand coalition” between their parties. According to a “lightning poll” conducted by Germany’s leading TV channel, 49 per cent found Steinbrück more convincing, as opposed to 44 per cent who were more impressed by Merkel. However, another poll by the election research group found the Chancellor took the lead with a score of 40 per cent, as opposed to her rival’s 33 per cent.
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