This was supposed to be the
highlight of a lacklustre election campaign. For months German
Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives have enjoyed a significant lead
over their nearest rival - and current coalition partner.
The TV stations prepared their viewers for an impassioned, furious debate.
But those hoping for rhetorical bloody noses were disappointed. As were the viewers hoping that Martin Schulz, who is unlikely to take Mrs Merkel's crown, might at least taste victory on national TV.
Angela Merkel has been in the job for 12 years, and it showed.
The chancellor is not known for her skilful oratory and she doesn't relish this kind of public debate.
Nevertheless, Mrs Merkel appeared relaxed, credible and experienced, effortlessly parrying her opponent's attacks. It was her best debate performance, according to the German news site Spiegel online. Which doesn't say much, given that she lost the first three.
Read more: Germany election: Merkel holds ground in TV debate - BBC
The TV stations prepared their viewers for an impassioned, furious debate.
But those hoping for rhetorical bloody noses were disappointed. As were the viewers hoping that Martin Schulz, who is unlikely to take Mrs Merkel's crown, might at least taste victory on national TV.
Angela Merkel has been in the job for 12 years, and it showed.
The chancellor is not known for her skilful oratory and she doesn't relish this kind of public debate.
Nevertheless, Mrs Merkel appeared relaxed, credible and experienced, effortlessly parrying her opponent's attacks. It was her best debate performance, according to the German news site Spiegel online. Which doesn't say much, given that she lost the first three.
Read more: Germany election: Merkel holds ground in TV debate - BBC
