Germany’s top politicians clashed on key issues in the final televised debate before the parliamentary election, including Ukraine, NATO, and US relations. The debate saw intense discussions on various topics, with each party presenting their stance on defense expenditures, healthcare policy, and immigration.
The final televised debate between Germany’s top politicians took place on Thursday evening, just three days before the parliamentary election. The debate saw intense discussions on various key issues, including ‘Russia’s invasion of Ukraine’ , defense expenditures, and healthcare policy.
Parties Trade Blows Over Ukraine and NATO
The debate began with a discussion on Germany’s debt brake, defense, and Ukraine. Far-right AfD Chancellor candidate Alice Weidel criticized conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz for pushing to send long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, citing the risk of a ‘spiral of escalation’ with Russia. In contrast, Annalena Baerbock, Foreign Minister and Greens’ representative, emphasized that she lives in Germany and that Ukraine’s security could impact neighboring Poland.
Alice Weidel is a German politician who serves as the co-leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Born on May 22, 1979, in Munich, Germany, she has been a member of the Bundestag since 2017.
Weidel studied law and economics at the University of Bayreuth and worked as a financial analyst before entering politics.
She is known for her conservative and nationalist views.
Mandatory Conscription: A Divisive Issue
One of the most contentious topics was the idea of reintroducing mandatory conscription. The AfD’s Weidel argued that a return to conscription is necessary, as Germany is ‘no longer capable of national defense.’ However, the Left Party’s Jan Van Aken rejected this idea, stating that it is the realm of a professional army. Carsten Linnemann, general secretary of the CDU, proposed an ‘obligatory social year,’ where Germans can choose to serve in the army or contribute to society in other ways.
Mandatory conscription is a system where citizens are required to serve in the military for a specified period.
It's often implemented during times of war or national crisis.
Countries like Israel, North Korea, and Eritrea have mandatory conscription systems.
In some countries, exemptions can be granted based on health, education, or family circumstances.
The United Nations estimates that around 70 countries have some form of military service.
Mandatory conscription raises concerns about individual freedoms and human rights.
Healthcare Policy: A Point of Contention
The parties also clashed on healthcare policy. The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), Left Party, SPD, and Greens advocated for the abolition of private health insurance, while the FDP, CDU, and AfD opposed this idea. Christian Lindner of the FDP suggested increasing competition between insurance companies.
Climate Crisis and Energy Policy
The parties also discussed climate change and energy policy. The Left Party’s Jan van Aken stated that not protecting the climate is costing Germany more money than investing in climate initiatives. Van Aken proposed taxing the rich to finance climate projects. In contrast, the CDU’s Linnemann criticized a heating law backed by the current governing coalition, labeling it a ‘fiasco.’
Climate change refers to significant long-term changes in the global weather patterns.
It is primarily caused by human activities that release greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, into the atmosphere.
These gases trap heat from the sun, leading to a rise in global temperatures.
According to NASA, the average global temperature has risen by about 1°C since the late 19th century.
Climate change affects ecosystems, water cycles, and weather patterns worldwide.
NATO and European Defense
The debate also touched on NATO and European defense. Jan van Aken, chairperson of Germany’s Left Party, stated that the problem with NATO is that it is not a community of values but rather an association of countries using military means to enforce selfish power interests. However, NATO sees itself as both a defense alliance and a community of shared values among free democratic states.
Immigration Policy: A Dominant Topic
Germany’s election has been dominated by the topic of immigration. Politicians for the CDU and AfD have campaigned on tougher immigration policies, while criticizing Olaf Scholz‘s government for not having the issue under control. Chancellor frontrunner Friedrich Merz has pledged to support measures such as permanent controls at the Schengen borders, denial of entry to people seeking asylum if they have already traveled through another EU country, and detention of those who have been told they have to leave the country.
Fake News and Disinformation Campaigns
The debate also highlighted concerns about fake news and disinformation campaigns. Researchers from Germany’s Robert Bosch Foundation reported that a network of over 700 fake social media accounts appeared in the last week of the election campaign to promote pro-Russian narratives and demonize CDU leader Friedrich Merz.
Germany’s Political Parties: What You Need to Know
Seven main parties are competing for seats in the Bundestag on Sunday’s election, covering a wide range of the German political spectrum. All in all, there are three right-leaning parties and four left-leaning parties. Learn more about their origins and what they stand for.
As Germany prepares to elect a new government, DW will continue to provide updates on the main stories on the campaign trail and answer your most pressing questions.
