Ukrainian and US wars dominated the debate.
Thursday was the penultimate televised discussion before Sunday’s German chancellor election. Moderators promptly began the debate on war and European security.
Most conversations focused on the Ukraine war and U.S. foreign policy. Candidates admitted that Washington’s shift has raised war risks.
Since taking office, Donald Trump has alienated European nations by pursuing a Ukraine peace deal.
After long-standing European allies soured after US President Donald Trump’s inauguration, Green party co-chair German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warns conflict is more likely.
Trump’s resolve to end the almost three-year war in Ukraine at any cost, including alienating old U.S. partners across the Atlantic, has led many European leaders to question their own security and Washington’s credibility.
“So far we have been strongly supported by the Americans, and if this is no longer the case, we Europeans must secure our own peace even more strongly, and we can do this if we find the strength of the democrats ,” said Baerbock.
Matthias Miersch, SPD general secretary, said the German government was ready, but Europe’s response was crucial.
Carsten Linnemann, general secretary of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said his party would set new priorities and make Germany a global participant.
Christian Lindner, the FDP’s leading contender, links Trump’s stance to a distinct international policy. Berlin must be harsh and appear strong, he said. “Power politics play out. Russia, China, US. This policy opposes multilateralism and international law. Thus, we must prepare. Moral appeals in feminist foreign policy are over.”
According to AfD chancellor candidate Alice Weidel, “It is worth noting that Donald Trump is now implementing exactly what we, as the AfD, have been demanding for three years, namely an immediate ceasefire and entry into peace negotiations.” She also emphasized that her party shared Donald Trump’s views and had called for Ukraine to negotiate with Russia since the war’s start, which Olaf Scholz’s administration refused.
Some contenders believe Europe’s security starts with Ukraine and a united front against Russia.
General secretary of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), Carsten Linnemann said the parties would set new goals and make Germany a global leader.
Alexander Dobrindt of the CSU said Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s cabinet cannot handle global developments. He believes Ukraine is the only road to peace. “Ukrainian troops number 800,000. They must maintain peace. Put them in a position to assure peace. Only that’s required. We can supply weapons and logistics to make it work.”
Nearly 45% of voters prioritize European peace and security, according to a study. Immigration and the economy are also hot topics that will determine the next president.