Europe’s biggest economy is the 27-nation European Union’s most populous nation and a leading member of NATO, as well as the second-biggest weapons supplier to Ukraine, after the United States, following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Germany’s next government will be central to Europe’s response to an assertive new U.S. administration.

Notably, Germany's current foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, is representing the Greens at the debate rather than chancellor candidate Robert Habeck. Billed as "The Final Round," the event aired with public broadcasters ARD/ZDF at 10 p.

Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union is favored to replace Olaf Scholz of the Social Democratic Party as chancellor. It’s not yet clear what governing coalitions will be possible.