As Germany’s election day on February 23 draws near, the political battle between Chancellor Olaf Scholz and challenger Friedrich Merz took an unexpected and refreshingly candid turn. The two political heavyweights faced a unique challenge in front of an audience that included none of their usual political rivals or seasoned journalists — instead, they were questioned by a group of children, aged 7 to 14, in a special television broadcast.
A Challenging Forum: Kids in Charge
The broadcast, titled Kannste (nochmal) Kanzler? — which translates to “Can You Be Chancellor (Again)?” — aired on the SAT.1 channel, and featured the young interviewers pressing both Scholz and Merz on a range of issues, from global politics to everyday concerns. The children’s unfiltered and unyielding questions led to a dialogue unlike any typical political debate.
Despite their experience, the politicians were put on the spot with questions that cut through the usual political jargon and focused on matters that resonated deeply with the younger generation. From the collapse of Scholz’s coalition government to the rising cost of everyday items like döner kebabs, the children’s relentless curiosity left the seasoned politicians navigating territory outside of their usual comfort zones.
Tensions in Government: Scholz Faces the Heat
Scholz, who has faced criticism for the instability within his three-party coalition government, was grilled about why he hadn’t appointed a “dispute-settling minister” to address the internal infighting. Scholz, unphased, responded with a dry remark, explaining that such an appointment would be ineffective if one party was unwilling to compromise. His reference to tensions with Christian Lindner, leader of the Free Democrats (FDP), hinted at the behind-the-scenes struggles that have plagued his administration.
The directness of the children’s questions about the government’s internal struggles contrasted sharply with the often vague answers given in traditional political debates. The questions from the kids seemed to demand more than just political platitudes — they sought real accountability.
Merz Faces Personal Scrutiny: Past Remarks Under Fire
Meanwhile, Friedrich Merz, the conservative challenger from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), found himself on the defensive when a 14-year-old named Rachid questioned his controversial remarks about “small pashas.” Merz had previously made these comments in reference to young immigrant boys who, in his view, lacked discipline. Rachid, who was born in Germany to Syrian parents, asked Merz pointedly if he considered him part of that group.
Merz, visibly taken aback, denied that his words were meant to target young immigrants specifically, explaining that they had been misinterpreted. However, the question forced Merz to confront uncomfortable moments from his past and clarify his stance, showing how even seasoned politicians can find themselves caught off guard when engaging with a younger, more candid audience.
Global Concerns: The War in Ukraine
The young audience also pressed the candidates on global issues. Two students, with family members in Belarus and Ukraine, asked Merz what his plans were to end the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Merz responded that while Germany was doing all it could, the ultimate decision rested with Russian President Vladimir Putin. His answer was a reminder of the complexities and limitations of international diplomacy, especially in the face of an ongoing and unpredictable conflict.
Lighthearted Moments Amid Serious Questions
While the children’s questions covered serious political and global issues, the broadcast also gave room for more playful interactions. Scholz, often criticized for his stoic public persona, was asked to answer questions using only facial expressions, leading to a humorous and rare display of emotion from the usually reserved chancellor. The fun escalated when the children challenged him to eat sour candies, prompting even more unfiltered reactions.
Merz, for his part, embraced the lighter moments with enthusiasm. He took a break from political discussions to engage in a friendly game of foosball with the students, showing a more approachable side of himself.
A Refreshing Take on Political Debate
In a campaign season often marked by heated rhetoric and political maneuvering, the broadcast offered a refreshing departure. The questions posed by children, though simple, tapped into the real concerns of the public, pushing both candidates to address issues with honesty, clarity, and sometimes vulnerability.
For Scholz and Merz, the experience was a reminder that politics is not just about policy — it’s also about connecting with people on a human level, even when the questions come from the most unexpected sources.
FAQs
What was the main theme of the special television broadcast?
The broadcast, titled Kannste (nochmal) Kanzler? (“Can You Be Chancellor (Again)?”), featured Olaf Scholz and Friedrich Merz answering questions from a classroom of children, aged 7 to 14. The focus was on politics, government issues, and global concerns, but the format also included lighter, more personal questions.
Why were the candidates questioned by children?
The goal was to engage the politicians in a more direct and candid conversation, allowing them to address issues from the perspective of younger generations. The children’s questions were often straightforward and challenged the politicians on serious issues, as well as more lighthearted topics.
What was Scholz’s response to questions about his coalition government?
Chancellor Scholz responded to questions about the internal disputes within his three-party coalition by explaining that appointing a “dispute-settling minister” would not have been effective if one party refused to compromise. He referred to tensions with Christian Lindner, leader of the Free Democrats (FDP), to illustrate the ongoing struggles.
What controversial remarks did Merz address during the broadcast?
Friedrich Merz was asked about his past remarks regarding “small pashas,” which he had used in reference to young immigrant boys allegedly lacking discipline. A 14-year-old, Rachid, questioned him about the remarks, and Merz defended himself by stating that they had been misinterpreted.
Did the broadcast focus solely on serious political matters?
No, the broadcast also included more playful moments, such as Scholz answering questions using only facial expressions and Merz participating in a friendly foosball game with the students. These lighter interactions provided a contrast to the more serious policy discussions.
Conclusion
The Kannste (nochmal) Kanzler? broadcast provided a unique and engaging political forum, allowing Germany’s political leaders to face tough, direct questions from a younger, more candid audience. In a campaign often dominated by scripted responses and political jargon, the children’s questions cut through to the heart of the issues that matter most to the public — from government infighting to global crises and everyday concerns like the rising cost of food.
