FAQ
Status: 06.09.2021 5:58 p.m.
No journalist questions, no triall: at the ARDIn the election arena, the candidates for the Chancellery must answer questions from the voters individually. It starts today with the Green top candidate Baerbock.
How does the format work?
The format focuses primarily on the voters – because the candidates do not compete directly against each other. One top candidate at a time has to answer voters’ questions in a broadcast – for 75 minutes.
The format was first introduced in 2005. Time and again there were moments that were remembered: In the last election, for example, questions from the young nurse Alexander Jorde to Angela Merkel sparked a debate about nursing professions. Martin Schulz gave himself up in the electoral arena and fought for his last chance – as we know today: in vain.
The start is made today by the green top candidate Annalena Baerbock at 8.15 p.m. in the first. Olaf Scholz (SPD) will follow on Tuesday, on September 15 it will be the turn of Union candidate Armin Laschet. NDR-Editor-in-chief Andreas Cichowicz and the editor-in-chief of WDR, Ellen Ehni, will moderate the format. It is broadcast from the Kulturwerft in Lübeck.
How were the audience and questions selected?
Part of the audience was selected by the opinion research institute Infratest dimap. In addition, viewers could apply with their questions. The electoral arena editors took into account submissions from different regions or age groups and focused on the central themes of the election campaign. In the live broadcast, the questioners should report and will then be selected. Because of the corona pandemic, viewers are also connected for the first time. As a rule, an inquiry is possible.
Why are only Baerbock, Laschet and Scholz there?
They were nominated for the Chancellery by their parties and are the only ones who have a realistic chance of becoming Chancellor.
Have questions and topics been discussed?
No, the candidates do not know either the questioner or the questioner. The editors don’t know all the questions either. Viewers may apply with questions about certain areas of interest, but they can also ask about other areas in the program. According to Infratest surveys, the most important topics for voters for their voting decisions are to be discussed. In addition, any topic can also be addressed. That is precisely the attraction of the electoral arena. In principle, however, current political issues will be the norm.
How was the order of the broadcast determined?
The order of the broadcast dates became loud NDR and WDR coordinated with the appointments of the candidates.
Is there a version in sign?
A version with sign language will be broadcast via HbbTV.
You can also see the ARD election arena live on tagesschau.de from 8.15 p.m.