CDU accuses NDR of yielding to political pressure, uninviting candidates from state election TV debate

Manuela Schwesig only available for TV duel with AfD candidate. Source: Jens Büttner/dpa

The dispute over a TV duel is escalating: The CDU is attacking the NDR and alleging political influence. Behind the scenes, questions are being raised about the extent of Manuela Schwesig's involvement in the election campaign.

Ahead of the state election in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the conflict between the CDU, SPD, and broadcaster NDR is intensifying. CDU General Secretary Franziska Hoppermann has leveled serious accusations against the public broadcaster. In an urgent letter, she accuses the NDR of sacrificing its "journalistic independence" and failing to fulfill its public service mandate, as reported by Bild.

The conflict centers on the TV duel, scheduled for broadcast shortly before the election in mid-September. Minister President Manuela Schwesig (SPD) will face off against AfD top candidate Leif-Erik Holm. According to the CDU, a "quadrell" featuring candidates from the SPD, AfD, CDU, and Left Party was originally planned. However, the top candidates from the CDU and Left Party have now been uninvited.

In the letter addressed to NDR editor-in-chief Adrian Feuerbacher, Hoppermann expressed her "irritation and incomprehension" at the broadcaster's decision and raised the question of political influence. She stated that the impression arises that the broadcaster's "journalistic independence" has been "sacrificed to political maneuvering and the conditions of individual actors." Hoppermann is demanding answers.

Chat Message Incriminates Schwesig

Details of the incident emerged last week. According to Spiegel, Schwesig is alleged to have interfered in the broadcasters' planning. Ostseewelle managing director and program director Tino Sperke reportedly wrote in a chat message at the end of July: "RTL/ntv then decided on the duel format after Ms. Schwesig implied that during her visit to the capital office." According to Spiegel, the wording suggests that the broadcaster changed its plans due to an intervention by Schwesig.

Manuela Schwesig (SPD). Source: Jens Büttner/dpa

The SPD rejected the allegations. Schwesig's spokesperson Lilly Blaudszun stated that the broadcasters decide on the format of their coverage themselves. "Ms. Schwesig has committed to a candidate duel with both the NDR and ntv/Ostseewelle," Blaudszun said. This wording left open what type of candidate duel Schwesig had agreed to.

RTL stated that during planning for the election format, different constellations were examined, initially including a larger round with the top representatives of the SPD, AfD, CDU, and Left Party. After further editorial consideration, the broadcaster decided on the duel between Holm and Schwesig due to current poll numbers. RTL confirmed there was no political pressure from either the state government or the SPD.

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CDU top candidate Daniel Peters said that officially, the broadcasters justified the uninvitation with editorial reasons. "But we know that Manuela Schwesig made it unmistakably clear that she was only available for a duel."

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Peters speculated that by polarizing the election campaign, Schwesig likely wants to avoid a substantive debate about her work as head of government. He criticized the escalation.