Candidates from the CDU, Greens, Left Party, and BSW are to take seats at the so-called quadrell’s kids’ table. The CDU is protesting sharply: Secretary-General Franziska Hoppermann wrote to NDR editor-in-chief Adrian Feuerbacher that the decision is noted with “irritation and incomprehension.” The NDR is rejecting a previously planned four-way round at short notice and effectively disinviting the CDU.
Hoppermann criticized that the impression arises that journalistic independence is being sacrificed to political maneuvering. A format that leaves out relevant forces in favor of artificial polarization does not do justice to the responsibility of public broadcasting. Schwesig had previously signaled to both RTL/ntv and the NDR that she would only be available for a one-on-one debate, as her campaign spokesperson Lilly Blaudszun announced.
The NDR rejected the accusation of political pressure. The top candidates from the CDU, Left, Greens, and BSW had already been invited to the quadrell in April, and all had accepted. The formats were never changed, and no party was disinvited. The decision was made independently and based on election polls.
Source: www.faz.net
