to do, what will be asked instead. . mommy. a warm welcome to this blustery guardian on the top of a community centre in berlin. where here as we begin our coverage of the german election campaign through to the last day of voting on sunday. of course a german election is always a significant moment. this is one of most powerful countries in europe, one of the most powerful countries in the world. so the selection of a new government does it matter for germans, it matters for visit to eight people across the european union across the world. of course this decision has extra impact this time around. angela merkel has been chancellor of this country since 2005, but she is stepping down. germany will first choose their mps, they will then form a coalition, that coalition will have a leader in that coalition will have a leader in that leader will be the next chancellor. it is a moment of great, great importance. were going to explain to all of the details of how the selection works and who is involved from the people who are standing to all of the main parties. the first of all, here's a report i made earlier on the key information we need to bear in mind as we look at this election campaign. let's start with the main players. first of all the man anglo merkel would like to be her replacement. he is already leader of anglo marbles christian democratic union. the cdu, its right of centre, it sister party in bavaria is the csu. he had been the favourite but it's not going to plan. his polling was already wobbling when this happened. as germany's president address the devastating floods injuly he was seen laughing, that is leader of the one of the worst hit regions made the incident worse. and the comparison with the angle america's empathetic response was hard to avoid. but there's more to his problems didn'tjust avoid. but there's more to his problems didn't just that. avoid. but there's more to his problems didn'tjust that. they avoid. but there's more to his problems didn't just that. they tell us in his profile... and the latest tv debate he tried to address that. translation: the cohesion of europe in these difficult times, a climate neutral time and a strong economy and above all a clear course for national security. his challenge thou . h is national security. his challenge though is that _ national security. his challenge though is that some _ national security. his challenge though is that some voters - national security. his challenge l though is that some voters chose national security. his challenge - though is that some voters chose the cdu because they liked anglo merkel, they liked her pragmatic centres are pros. she attracted people who might not normally vote the right of center. and now he has to do the same thing. but he is struggling to do that. because of that he has been getting help from mrs merkel herself. �* ,, �* getting help from mrs merkel herself. �* ,, ~ ., , ., getting help from mrs merkel herself. �* ,, ~ ., ., herself. translation: i ask you to do everything _ herself. translation: i ask you to do everything that _ herself. translation: i ask you to do everything that you _ herself. translation: i ask you to do everything that you can - herself. translation: i ask you to do everything that you can to - do everything that you can to safeguard germany's prosperity in the coming years. to ensure german safety— the coming years. to ensure german safety and _ the coming years. to ensure german safety and the person who can do this who — safety and the person who can do this who is — safety and the person who can do this who is campaigning to do this and ready— this who is campaigning to do this and ready to fight passionately for this is— and ready to fight passionately for this is armand lie shut.— this is armand lie shut. that's the itch but this is armand lie shut. that's the pitch but the _ this is armand lie shut. that's the pitch but the polls _ this is armand lie shut. that's the pitch but the polls are _ this is armand lie shut. that's the pitch but the polls are offering - pitch but the polls are offering look at what is happening. first of all this is the result of the 27 election the cdu you, but sometimes called the union reached 35%. that was it worth resulted in 70 years but it was still top. then his bowling from last year. the cdu are on 29%. now look at the latest bowling. well, him in the cdu has been on the sly. a remarkably big third injuly at the spd, the social democrats now find themselves in the lead. in the spd is leader is this man, he is the current finance minister, that's because germany's government at the moment is a grand coalition between the two main parties. one german this makes them very . they want voters to see them as bringing more of what anglo merkel offered. and olaf scholz seems very angela. even had her trademark tightening hand position. they are not one of the same. —— diamond. their different politicians from different parties. and this is his pitch. i different parties. and this is his itch. ., , , pitch. i will immediately bring in the minimum — pitch. i will immediately bring in the minimum wage _ pitch. i will immediately bring in the minimum wage of— pitch. i will immediately bring in the minimum wage of 12 - pitch. i will immediately bring in the minimum wage of 12 euros l pitch. i will immediately bring in i the minimum wage of 12 euros and ensure stable pensions and ensure that within the first year of government, we will have the ability to have renewable energy that are climate neutral.— climate neutral. they are most likel to climate neutral. they are most likely to replace _ climate neutral. they are most likely to replace angela - climate neutral. they are most| likely to replace angela merkel. climate neutral. they are most - likely to replace angela merkel. she is the leader of the green party in this is her message. i is the leader of the green party in this is her message.— this is her message. i stand for a new start there _ this is her message. i stand for a new start there were _ this is her message. i stand for a new start there were no - this is her message. i stand for a new start there were no longer i this is her message. i stand for a | new start there were no longer do climate _ new start there were no longer do climate protection halfway, policies that bring _ climate protection halfway, policies that bring children and families to the centre — that bring children and families to the centre and a human rights lead foreign _ the centre and a human rights lead foreign policy and the heart of europe — after briefly leaving in the polls, the green party are now back in third. julia ganter is the editor of berlin pulse which researches germans' attitude to the world around them. matthew karnitschnig is chief europe correspondent of politico based here in berlin. get to see you again and we spoke on the programme a couple days ago. the people were coming into the story fresh and have not been following every twist and turn, which they be bearing in mind of the trade understand the selection campaign? is notjust the international community that has to get used to new faces. also the germans, they have experienced 16 years of chancellorship with angela merkel so far and germans are rather reluctant to change. so, it is a little difficult for them to imagine what other three candidates which is also why the race in his last few days are really close. for why the race in his last few days are really close.— why the race in his last few days are really close. for people outside of eur0pe. — are really close. for people outside of eur0pe. the _ are really close. for people outside of europe, the important _ are really close. for people outside of europe, the important thing - are really close. for people outside of europe, the important thing to l of europe, the important thing to remember— of europe, the important thing to remember is that this is about the leader_ remember is that this is about the ieader of— remember is that this is about the leader of your's largest country and this person — leader of your's largest country and this person is going to be making decisions — this person is going to be making decisions critical decisions about how germany and europe are going to position— how germany and europe are going to position themselves towards china, towards _ position themselves towards china, towards the united states, towards russia _ towards the united states, towards russia. these are really pressing questions — russia. these are really pressing questions and they're going to need to answer— questions and they're going to need to answer these in the coming years. so, to answer these in the coming years. so. there's— to answer these in the coming years. so. there's a— to answer these in the coming years. so, there's a lot of things at stake. ., . �* ., stake. correct me if i'm wrong, these are _ stake. correct me if i'm wrong, these are not _ stake. correct me if i'm wrong, these are not questions - stake. correct me if i'm wrong, these are not questions that i stake. correct me if i'm wrong, | these are not questions that are being discussed a lot in the campaign. being discussed a lot in the campaign-— being discussed a lot in the cam airn. , ., , being discussed a lot in the camaiun. , ., , ., campaign. yes, with regards to foreian campaign. yes, with regards to foreign policy. _ campaign. yes, with regards to foreign policy, we _ campaign. yes, with regards to foreign policy, we have - campaign. yes, with regards to foreign policy, we have not- campaign. yes, with regards to l foreign policy, we have not seen campaign. yes, with regards to i foreign policy, we have not seen a lot of issues for these debates and along those debates. and this might be a little bit understandable because, foreign policy issues, they're not so easily relatable to they're not so easily relatable to the reality of a lot of germans to understand why a german frigate is distributed to the pacific, or the questions of minimum wage should be increased. so, that might be an explanation for this also. i increased. so, that might be an explanation for this also.- explanation for this also. i also think there's _ explanation for this also. i also think there's another _ explanation for this also. i also think there's another aspect i explanation for this also. i also l think there's another aspect here which _ think there's another aspect here which is — think there's another aspect here which is more uncomfortable to talk about— which is more uncomfortable to talk about which is that germans do not want _ about which is that germans do not want to— about which is that germans do not want to face the reality that they have _ want to face the reality that they have a _ want to face the reality that they have a very important place in the world _ have a very important place in the world. there are a very large country— world. there are a very large country relative in europe, at least — country relative in europe, at least and _ country relative in europe, at least. and their voice matters and they do— least. and their voice matters and they do not— least. and their voice matters and they do not want to make decisions atrout— they do not want to make decisions about what— they do not want to make decisions about what to do about china, they do not _ about what to do about china, they do not want — about what to do about china, they do not want to make decisions on what to— do not want to make decisions on what to do— do not want to make decisions on what to do in the transatlantic relationship and spending more money on the _ relationship and spending more money on the fence, whether or not to continue — on the fence, whether or not to continue to— on the fence, whether or not to continue to honour their nuclear obligations towards the united states— obligations towards the united states and so forth. they do not want _ states and so forth. they do not want to — states and so forth. they do not want to discuss these because there is no easy— want to discuss these because there is no easy answer but it's very contentious within germany. so the politicians _ contentious within germany. so the politicians do not want to confront them _ politicians do not want to confront them with — politicians do not want to confront them with these questions and angela merkel_ them with these questions and angela merkel has been very good over the past 16— merkel has been very good over the past 16 years of shielding the population from these realities. and it's population from these realities. fific it's interesting to population from these realities. e"ic it's interesting to hear population from these realities. el"ic it's interesting to hear you say that, i can think of a lot of election campaigns with the message has been, i am the change you need. in a strange way, the candidates in this election to some degree or saying i am not the change, i am more of the same. find saying i am not the change, i am more of the same. and annalena baerbock might _ more of the same. and annalena baerbock might be _ more of the same. and annalena baerbock might be an _ more of the same. and annalena baerbock might be an exception | more of the same. and annalena i baerbock might be an exception to this because her campaign really focuses on the change that germany needs in regards to climate change and other developments. she needs in regards to climate change and other developments.— and other developments. she is ullin: and other developments. she is pulling third _ and other developments. she is pulling third at _ and other developments. she is pulling third at the _ and other developments. she is pulling third at the moment i and other developments. she is pulling third at the moment so l and other developments. she is | pulling third at the moment so it will probably be between olaf scholz and the other who will become chancellor and there is other continuity candidates.- chancellor and there is other continuity candidates. they are all runnina continuity candidates. they are all running on — continuity candidates. they are all running on angela _ continuity candidates. they are all running on angela merkel's - continuity candidates. they are allj running on angela merkel's record and running with angela merkel plus plus famous hand gesture, the diamond — plus famous hand gesture, the diamond or the rhombus. there is a sincere _ diamond or the rhombus. there is a sincere that — diamond or the rhombus. there is a sincere that in order to win, you need _ sincere that in order to win, you need to— sincere that in order to win, you need to copy angela merkel so you have to _ need to copy angela merkel so you have to stand for stability, you're going _ have to stand for stability, you're going to — have to stand for stability, you're going to try to convince the electorate that they don't have to worry— electorate that they don't have to worry about anything and that all will he _ worry about anything and that all will be ok, germany can continue on as this _ will be ok, germany can continue on as this large — will be ok, germany can continue on as this large switzerland in the world — as this large switzerland in the world as — as this large switzerland in the world as it has and it's been working _ world as it has and it's been working well for olaf scholz and you can see _ working well for olaf scholz and you can see the dramatic rise that he is had in _ can see the dramatic rise that he is had in the — can see the dramatic rise that he is had in the polls in the past eight weeks — had in the polls in the past eight weeks it's— had in the polls in the past eight weeks. it's really extraordinary by any standards and shows is less about— any standards and shows is less about the — any standards and shows is less about the party and more about him. and he _ about the party and more about him. and he was— about the party and more about him. and he was down on 15 and 16% not to long ago and always favoured to become leader of germany. how do we explain the turnaround? it has everything _ explain the turnaround? it has everything to _ explain the turnaround? it has everything to do _ explain the turnaround? it has everything to do with - explain the turnaround? it has everything to do with him i explain the turnaround? it has everything to do with him and | explain the turnaround? it has i everything to do with him and he is someone _ everything to do with him and he is someone the germans trust and he is the former— someone the germans trust and he is the former mayor of hamburg, he is someone _ the former mayor of hamburg, he is someone that they know, they know how much— someone that they know, they know how much better than the other two candidates — how much better than the other two candidates and we are seeing now that across — candidates and we are seeing now that across berlin for example, there _ that across berlin for example, there are — that across berlin for example, there are posters saying that if you want olaf _ there are posters saying that if you want olaf scholz, vote for us. it's not so _ want olaf scholz, vote for us. it's not so much _ want olaf scholz, vote for us. it's not so much about the party, it's about— not so much about the party, it's about oiaf— not so much about the party, it's about olaf scholz. can not so much about the party, it's about olaf scholz.— not so much about the party, it's about olaf scholz. can ask you this as well? when _ about olaf scholz. can ask you this as well? when i _ about olaf scholz. can ask you this as well? when i cover _ about olaf scholz. can ask you this as well? when i cover the - about olaf scholz. can ask you this as well? when i cover the last i as well? when i cover the last general election, there was this big central issue and i'm being told its climate change but the voters it's climate change but the voters have to decide a serious they are about radical policies on climate change. about radical policies on climate chance. ., . about radical policies on climate chance. ., , ., ,,. change. from a public perspective, wh look change. from a public perspective, why look at — change. from a public perspective, why look at the _ change. from a public perspective, why look at the results, _ change. from a public perspective, why look at the results, which i change. from a public perspective, why look at the results, which we l change. from a public perspective, | why look at the results, which we do annually talking about the german public about policy opinion, we see every year that migration scores is the most important topic. we haven't had this data yet but it's been like this in the past few years and climate change comes next. so as of the bigger issues. but migration has not been covered a lot and it wasn't in the focus of the past administration and as you have said, we haven't heard a lot about this in this campaign. for we haven't heard a lot about this in this campaign-— we haven't heard a lot about this in this cam airn. ., ., ., ~ this campaign. for the moment, thank ou ve this campaign. for the moment, thank you very much — this campaign. for the moment, thank you very much for _ this campaign. for the moment, thank you very much forjoining _ this campaign. for the moment, thank you very much forjoining us _ this campaign. for the moment, thank you very much forjoining us on - you very much forjoining us on outside source will be talking about climate change as we have been hearing, it's right up there as the main drivers for people deciding who they're going to back and here is jenny hail and she has made this report about that subject. it's getting harder for germans to ignore climate change. the fairytale forests which carpet the country are dying. this bug which proliferates in warmer, drier conditions is boring into and killing that weakened trees. nothing the foresters can do but cut down the affected trees, try to stop the spread. translation: we never thought the forest would react _ so quickly to climate change. what shocked us was that it was not just the conifers badly affected but also old oak and beech trees. time is running out for the planet and for germany's green party which had high hopes for the election. support has grown in recent years, boosted by younger voters. but the chancellor candidate is lagging behind in the polls. there is no doubting how passionately germans feel about climate change but that alone might not be enough to put annalena baerbock into the chancellery. this, after all, is the country which invented the motorcar. some worry about the pace of change and how to protect the environment without killing off industry. translation: i would like to know who is going to pay for this. - if the car industry gets kneecapped and tens or may be hundreds of thousands, maybe a million people lose theirjobs, maybe they should be a slower solution. together, perhaps, we can slow down global warming but when i see china opening up 200 airports and a thousand coal power stations, i do wonder how small germany is supposed to save the world. it is widely acknowledged that angela merkel has not done enough to tackle climate change, despite her initial efforts to address the problem on the world stage. but germany's politicians have come under pressure from a new generation of activists. most parties have tailored their manifestos after this summer's deadly floods, they know that voter priorities are changing. none of the party really have enough measures to reach the goals of planet protection. only the greens have the large amount of measures that come close to the goals and the targets we have to reach, but the others not. they come close? but not sufficient? not sufficient. in the german forest they are planting different species that they hope will point the way to a warmer, drier future. change it seems inevitable for a country which must decide now how best to safeguard its future. let me show you these life pictures from german tv. it is a debate happening here in berlin as we speak to you, it's been billed as the final round and it features all the leaders of the main party. just to be clear, there've already been three tv debates are ready, but the future of the leaders of the big three. this year, therefore others featuring as well. we have the fdp, the candidate for chancellors, he is what you might call a conservative liberal. from the far right afd, with the left party and marcus from the cdu in bavaria and that is the sister party of angola angela merkel. this was a last chance as these leaders have to communicate at a scale with germans. what tactical manoeuvres are you looking out for? he what tactical manoeuvres are you looking out for?— looking out for? he clearly has to no after looking out for? he clearly has to go after olaf _ looking out for? he clearly has to go after olaf scholz, _ looking out for? he clearly has to go after olaf scholz, yes - looking out for? he clearly has to go after olaf scholz, yes to i looking out for? he clearly has to go after olaf scholz, yes to score j looking out for? he clearly has to i go after olaf scholz, yes to score a knockout blow gear because it may be his last _ knockout blow gear because it may be his last hope. he is a few points behind — his last hope. he is a few points behind in — his last hope. he is a few points behind in the polls and in the most generous pulse of your seeing now, it's looking — generous pulse of your seeing now, it's looking unlikely that he'll be able to— it's looking unlikely that he'll be able to close the gap by presenting an opportunity to go the attack. even _ an opportunity to go the attack. even if— an opportunity to go the attack. even if he — an opportunity to go the attack. even if he doesn't, that does not rule out. it even if he doesn't, that does not rule out. ., , ., , ., , rule out. it does have questions about who _ rule out. it does have questions about who can _ rule out. it does have questions about who can build _ rule out. it does have questions about who can build the - rule out. it does have questions| about who can build the coalition but if— about who can build the coalition but if they— about who can build the coalition but if they are both at about 2425%, it becomes — but if they are both at about 2425%, it becomes easier for him tojustify trying _ it becomes easier for him tojustify trying to form a coalition around the winner— trying to form a coalition around the winner of the election and that is why— the winner of the election and that is why these coming coalition talks are going — is why these coming coalition talks are going to be really so crucial. what _ are going to be really so crucial. what are — are going to be really so crucial. what are you looking out for in this? i what are you looking out for in this? ., what are you looking out for in this? . a, ., this? i agree with matthew that he has to attack _ this? i agree with matthew that he has to attack olaf _ this? i agree with matthew that he has to attack olaf scholz _ this? i agree with matthew that he has to attack olaf scholz and i this? i agree with matthew that he has to attack olaf scholz and his i has to attack olaf scholz and his continuous references to the option of a red, red, continuous references to the option ofa red, red, green continuous references to the option of a red, red, green government is what a lot of conservative voters want. in what a lot of conservative voters want. , , ., , , , , what a lot of conservative voters want. , , , ., want. in this the possibility that the far left _ want. in this the possibility that the far left party _ want. in this the possibility that the far left party would - want. in this the possibility that the far left party would work- want. in this the possibility that. the far left party would work with the far left party would work with the centreleft party and that is something for conservatives, is scary, they would say. it something for conservatives, is scary, they would say.- something for conservatives, is scary, they would say. it would be scary, they would say. it would be sca for scary, they would say. it would be scary for conservative _ scary, they would say. it would be scary for conservative voters, i scary, they would say. it would be scary for conservative voters, but | scary for conservative voters, but if it's likely that this is going to happen from a foreign—policy perspective. it is really difficult question because their positions, there very vast in a of areas. and in regards to other topics. i appreciate you joining us on this blustery evening and just tuning in, is a bit of a breezy evening, lots of politics to talk about is germany heads to the final day of voting on sunday and the results are sunday night. will be speaking to candidates across the top three parties in the polls and they are all going to be under 35 years of age, let's begin with the candidate for olaf —— angela merkel's party. -- angela merkel's party. we have come through _ -- angela merkel's party. we have come through the _ -- angela merkel's party. we have come through the pandemic - -- angela merkel's party. we have come through the pandemic very i -- angela merkel's party. we have i come through the pandemic very well and the cdu have proven that they can handle a crisis and we have a strong economy and now we have many challenges to become climate neutral, but we will face them and we will keep our prosperity and we will keep our economy and we will get there with everybody�*s in society. i want to become a member of parliament and i'm not giving up until sunday that maybe will reach 30% again and if we are in a state that we do not want to be. i don't really know why that happened, i think many people are thinking about who to choose from in the party, especially if angela merkel is not running for chancellor again. i will keep on fighting and there is a trend in germany which helps us. it helps us to become the strongest party in germany again. 25 helps us to become the strongest party in germany again.— party in germany again. 25 years old. the youngest _ party in germany again. 25 years old. the youngest candidate i party in germany again. 25 years old. the youngest candidate and| party in germany again. 25 years i old. the youngest candidate and just like many young germans, climate change is essential issue for her. the question is, is the cdu the right party to address these? hat right party to address these? not from an right party to address these? iirrt from any party or any region, so we need to be more ambitious and now we need to be more ambitious and now we need to be more ambitious and now we need to think about how to become climate neutral and in germany and the whole world. and there are different paths to net carbon neutrality. and our way to get to carbon neutrality is using our economy, social economy which is a concept that we are using here in germany and we mostly count on our economy to get the market in the right direction. because renewable energy is much cheaper than fossil energy. for example, coal is more expensive than nuclear energy. shahak shapira is a german—israeli comedian. this will be the first election he will be able to vote and since he moved to germany and he has been doing stand—up comedy here for years. i have been speaking to him about the relationship that germany has with their leader. she the relationship that germany has with their leader.— the relationship that germany has with their leader. she has removed olitics with their leader. she has removed politics from _ with their leader. she has removed politics from politics. _ with their leader. she has removed politics from politics. it _ with their leader. she has removed politics from politics. it is - politics from politics. it is incredible. i don't know it's going to happen to germany without angela merkel because germans have a very unhealthy relationship to her. to angela merkel. you know how they refer to her? they refer to her as mummy. that can't be good. i feel like this makes me feel that the next chancellor must be a woman because i'm not going to call my next chancellor daddy. presumably, ou don't next chancellor daddy. presumably, you don't want _ next chancellor daddy. presumably, you don't want to _ next chancellor daddy. presumably, you don't want to be _ next chancellor daddy. presumably, you don't want to be calling - next chancellor daddy. presumably, you don't want to be calling the i you don't want to be calling the next chancellor mummy or daddy. hopefully, but angela merkel, this is kind of, it, there was a reason why germans name her this way. they start pretending like they are being mum by the chancellor.— start pretending like they are being mum by the chancellor. angela merkel is a particular— mum by the chancellor. angela merkel is a particular politician _ mum by the chancellor. angela merkel is a particular politician but _ is a particular politician but they've had an experience with her and maybe germany is going back to the politics that everyone else's had for the last years. it’s the politics that everyone else's had for the last years.— the politics that everyone else's had for the last years. it's kind of like, i don't _ had for the last years. it's kind of like, i don't know— had for the last years. it's kind of like, i don't know what's - had for the last years. it's kind of like, i don't know what's going i had for the last years. it's kind of like, i don't know what's going toj like, i don't know what's going to happen. it feels like were not only voting for a new chancellor, but also for the idea of having a chancellor again. because it feels like angela merkel, she's been running things. brute like angela merkel, she's been running things.— like angela merkel, she's been runnina thins. . ~ ., ., running things. we think about who ou want running things. we think about who you want to — running things. we think about who you want to have _ running things. we think about who you want to have be _ running things. we think about who you want to have be the _ you want to have be the next chancellor, who is on your list on theissues chancellor, who is on your list on the issues that matter most? i want someone who _ the issues that matter most? i want someone who is _ the issues that matter most? i want someone who is not _ the issues that matter most? i want someone who is not on _ the issues that matter most? i want someone who is not on the - the issues that matter most? i want someone who is not on the right, i someone who is not on the right, because look, i'm from israel, i can't vote for someone who's on the right. i want a person who doesn't lose focus on the important things. the important things are not debating for hours on how we should gender things on tv. but, you know, how can we prevent the world from burning down in a few decades. find burning down in a few decades. and riven that burning down in a few decades. and given that that is one of your main criteria is, the whole world not burning down, are you finding things to laugh about this makes our germans raid left by politics? germans raid left by politics? germans rated a laugh about anything. germans rated a laugh about an hina. ., �* ., ., anything. you're the man to tell me. but the answer _ anything. you're the man to tell me. but the answer to _ anything. you're the man to tell me. but the answer to that _ anything. you're the man to tell me. but the answer to that question? i but the answer to that question? i've been doing comedy in english for years so, i don't know if that's a good answer. our germans willing to laugh about anything? may be, a lot of things except for themselves. i guess. i don't know. i love laughing about the role burning down. ifeel like tragedy laughing about the role burning down. i feel like tragedy is where humour blossoms. the down. i feel like tragedy is where humour blossoms.— down. i feel like tragedy is where humour blossoms. the point, does anuela humour blossoms. the point, does angela merkel. _ humour blossoms. the point, does angela merkel, she _ humour blossoms. the point, does angela merkel, she offers - humour blossoms. the point, does angela merkel, she offers this i humour blossoms. the point, doesj angela merkel, she offers this very common style of leadership that maybe doesn't lead itself to laughs. yes but that's not what you look for. i'm not voting is a comedian. he never did tell me how he's going to vote. stay with me karen berlin, and a half hour of the special on the german election. good evening. it's been unusually warm september so far. a few more warm september so far. a few more warm days to come as we head towards the weekend and from many of us today, it was a pretty warm affair. particularly down towards the south. the southern parts of the uk, compare that with just ten this afternoon. across the good part of shetland. we had this cold air that worked its way and it is pretty windy early on as well. but that does not last and we see the wings going around to westerlies and southerly winds by the weekend, bringing in plenty of warm and humid weather our way. some pretty heavy rain heading towards the northern aisles i will then clear with lots of cloud feeding and across western scotland, northern ireland and some spots of rain with mrs and merck as well. furthersouth, it will get spots of rain with mrs and merck as well. further south, it will get a little chilly in places, the majority will hold up in double digits. and the pressure to the north of us, high—pressure to the south driving a westerly wind and we can see quite a few isobars on the chart especially on the northern half of the uk and that shows that the wind will be quite strong and will feed a lot of cloud and across western scotland, northwest england, wales, northern ireland and maybe the cyclist as well. the string stop and should see some spells of sunshine with some shelter for the westerly wind, temperatures and parts of aberdeen sure are likely to see 20 or 21 degrees and further south, snippets of inventive wells are likely to get around 23, may be 24 are likely to get around 23, may be 2a degrees. but in usual for this time of year. as we head into the weekend, this weather system trying to push up from the south and that could introduce some showers into the forecast and quite a lot of cloud around as well on saturday, but we will see a few sunny spells here and there in the best of the sunshine likely to develop across northern scotland and again, this temperatures in the high teens and low 20s, quite widely. the second of the weekend, we see a new frontal system squashed its way and from the west and that will start to strengthen the winds and so increasingly brisk southerly wind flowing during sunday. greater chance of seeing some showers to the day on sunday and a greater chance of seeing sunshine as well, but later in the day that sunshine makes its move things wet especially on parts of northern ireland and ahead of that, relatively warm day with highs of 23 degrees. all hello i'm ros atkins wiggled back to outside source live here on the roof garden in berlin. this is a one hour election special as we look at the german election campaign for building up to the last day of voting on sunday and sunday night we will have a good idea of how things are shaking down and who may be able to replace anglo merkel was up because the german chancellor is finally approaching the end of a very successful and long political career. we will reflect on that. and her legacy. right now as i'm talking to you on german tv all seven leaders from the parties in the net on german tv having a final debate together. this is an important chance in particularfor the cdu leader to try and make some inroads into the spd slaves. we are also considering the issues the voters care about the most. in 2017 it was certainly immigration. it's certainly immigration. it's certainly a factor but climate change can look back is a problem as well. ii change can look back is a problem as well. , ., , , ., , change can look back is a problem as well. , . , , ., , ., well. if germany is not sticking to what we have _ well. if germany is not sticking to what we have pledged _ well. if germany is not sticking to what we have pledged to - well. if germany is not sticking to what we have pledged to do i well. if germany is not sticking to what we have pledged to do what| what we have pledged to do what other country would be asked to step in and said? miii other country would be asked to step in and said?— in and said? will speak to candidates _ in and said? will speak to candidates from - in and said? will speak to candidates from all i in and said? will speak to candidates from all of i in and said? will speak to candidates from all of the in and said? will speak to i candidates from all of the top in and said? will speak to - candidates from all of the top three priorities in the polls without we've already heard from the cdu, in the next hour will hear from the spd and the greens. it's a breezy autumn evening here in berlin as we consider they german election. the candidates, the parties, the system, the possible governments that could emerge. and this could get tight and the smaller parties who definitely won't be the biggest are still major players. because in the end we are going to end up with a coalition government, no one party will win the majority on its own. let's have a look at the process of how members of the bundestag are elected. germans cast two votes. one for local mp, one for a political party. at least 598 members are elected by these votes. then half of the bundestag is made up then half of the bundestag is made up of local mps, half are made from party list based on the percentage of over all votes that the parties receive. then it is set in coalition talks begin. now these coalitions that germany have all sorts of funny names, traffic light, jamaica, heavey they all refer to the different colours of the parties. eventually a coalition emerges that has over 50% of mps. eventually a coalition emerges that has over 50% of mps. that eventually a coalition emerges that has over 50% of mps. that coalition then chooses the chancellor. so that's the system which all of the parties are having to navigate. all of them have depositions on climate change. and one group which is in standing for office but is relative and it is friday so the future of the movement that greta thunberg started which is big and european countries here in germany the woman who leaves it is louisa. she is a caramel activist that fights for a future and support any of the main political parties. i've been asking her why. edit political parties. i've been asking her wh . , ., political parties. i've been asking herwh. , ., her why. of course we are asking --eole to her why. of course we are asking people to look — her why. of course we are asking people to look closely _ her why. of course we are asking people to look closely at - her why. of course we are asking people to look closely at what i her why. of course we are asking | people to look closely at what the parties are actually proposing but given that nothing is sufficient, we are turning to the people, we are turning to generations and asking them to rise up. as politics and parties are failing us we need to rise up and increase the pressure for them to actually do the job. what do you say to politicians like armin laschet from the cdu who says that germany can't do this alone, germany can't change its economy and its climate policies are the european union it moves, less other major emitters move like the us and china? what you say to that? well. china? what you say to that? well, that's not a — china? what you say to that? well, that's not a very — china? what you say to that? well, that's not a very unique _ china? what you say to that? -ii that's not a very unique thought that's not a very unique thought that no one can do it by itself. but that's not what were talking about. the paris agreement has been signed by countries across the globe and the question is now, does everyone do thejob? if the question is now, does everyone do the job? if germany is not sticking to what we have pledged to do, what other country would be we asked to step in instead? everyone has do theirfair share, it's something you learned in kindergarten, that's how teamwork works. you also learned in kindergarten that you don't break your promises. and right now all countries in the world are basically breaking their promises and finger pointing at each other. that is not going to solve anything. we are not asking anyone and doing that or any party to do by themselves. we are just asking them to stick to what they said and promise.— just asking them to stick to what they said and promise. some of these hirh they said and promise. some of these hiuh rofile they said and promise. some of these high profile climate _ they said and promise. some of these high profile climate activist _ they said and promise. some of these high profile climate activist saying i high profile climate activist saying she will be backing any of the party so that you might be thinking she'll be back in the green party but she says no. green party candidate for the bundestag here which contains berlin, thank you very much indeed forjoining us. are you surprised that a climate activist like that wouldn't support you? for that a climate activist like that wouldn't support you? for years, for the future is — wouldn't support you? for years, for the future is a _ wouldn't support you? for years, for the future is a youth _ wouldn't support you? for years, for the future is a youth movement, i wouldn't support you? for years, for the future is a youth movement, it's| the future is a youth movement, it's a civil movement and they know that climate change is not a project for one party. we need all parties together to make it possible to limit global warming at 1.5 celsius was up so we of the green party make the offer, we propose an ambitious climate change programme, climate protection programme and i understand that they don't support one party because of the project for everybody. one party because of the pro'ect for eve bod . ~ ., one party because of the pro'ect for eve bod . . ., , one party because of the pro'ect for eve bod.e . ., everybody. what is your programme, can ou everybody. what is your programme, can you give — everybody. what is your programme, can you give me _ everybody. what is your programme, can you give me the _ everybody. what is your programme, can you give me the headlines - everybody. what is your programme, can you give me the headlines of i can you give me the headlines of what you're partly with sigma party would do if it was a government? brute would do if it was a government? we need would do if it was a government? - need to implement would do if it was a government? e need to implement a climate protection government in the first few days of the comma after sunday. and that includes at first an immense expansion of the renewable opacity and a cold phase out by 2013. it also includes our whole economy must be transformed toward a circular end towards carbon—neutral economy and that's only possible with a massive amount of renewable energies. for example for us to produce green hydrogen which we need for the industry, for example. to ut for the industry, for example. to put that in context for people watching the cdu says it would finish coal by 2038, you're saying do it by 2030. but the cdu, angela merkel sparty argus germany cannot do this on his own. if it makes all the changes your suggestion for the rest of the european union and the rest of the european union and the rest of the world as it will come to germany will be at a disadvantage, it will lose money, it will not be as competitive and germans will lose theirjob. as competitive and germans will lose their 'ob. e ., ., ., ., theirjob. what to say to that was that es theirjob. what to say to that was that yes both _ theirjob. what to say to that was that yes both the _ theirjob. what to say to that was that yes both the cou _ theirjob. what to say to that was that yes both the cdu and - theirjob. what to say to that was that yes both the cou and spd i theirjob. what to say to that was l that yes both the cdu and spd say theirjob. what to say to that was i that yes both the cdu and spd say we cannot leave coal before 2030. what we are the only ones together with the left party. 50 we are the only ones together with the left party-— the left party. so you're saying whatever germany _ the left party. so you're saying whatever germany eight i the left party. so you're saying whatever germany eight doesl the left party. so you're saying - whatever germany eight does need to be done with the european union, it needs to be done collectively, germany do this on his own. germany isn't doinu germany do this on his own. germany isn't doing it — germany do this on his own. germany isn't doing it on _ germany do this on his own. germany isn't doing it on its _ germany do this on his own. germany isn't doing it on its own. _ germany do this on his own. germany isn't doing it on its own. we _ germany do this on his own. germany isn't doing it on its own. we just - isn't doing it on its own. wejust have a clear agenda that we can't leave the coal until 2030. and where the only party together with a laugh that say so. we see that both these parties, they deny that we can do it and most players in the industries demand that german legislation to create the respective political frameworks to make it possible. it's actually not the tasks of climate activist or the industry to make german politics climate neutral but thatis german politics climate neutral but that is what we see at the moment. and we as green party we project, we suggest our climate protection programme which clearly says we can't do it and we should do it for sure with european and international partners. sure with european and international artners. . ~' ,, sure with european and international artners. ., ~ ., ., , partners. thank you for 'oining us on the sac. * partners. thank you for 'oining us on the sac. we h partners. thank you forjoining us on the bbc. we appreciate - partners. thank you forjoining us on the bbc. we appreciate it. - partners. thank you forjoining us on the bbc. we appreciate it. so | on the bbc. we appreciate it. so that's the pitch from the green party. it's currently polling 3rd. was pulling first but still a clear 3rd. we've heard them greens, we've heard from angela merkel cdu party, next let's hear from the social democrats. topping the balls at the moment standing for the bundestag it's in the west of the country and she is live with us. thank you very much forjoining us. why do you think your party has done so well in the last two months, what's change? high. first of all thanks for having me. i think the people really like that we went very steady, we didn't change our course, we went having one strategy for the whole campaign and we stick to it. especially having covid—19, having the floods in germany, the people really want to have somebody who knows how to handle crisis. and we are projecting that to the people. find handle crisis. and we are pro'ecting that to the people.�* handle crisis. and we are pro'ecting that to the people. and what are you auoin to be that to the people. and what are you going to be doing — that to the people. and what are you going to be doing to _ that to the people. and what are you going to be doing to protect - that to the people. and what are you going to be doing to protect german | going to be doing to protect german workers? because the cdu says that some of your plans are too expensive and will damage the german economy. well, if like the cdu we would talk about cutting taxes and promising people who are earning a lot of money to cut their taxes, that will cost a lot of money but we are going the other way around, we are saying that we want to have the middle—class and everybody who is he having a low income, we want to protect them and we want to keep their taxes steady and we want to charge the ones with a high and come up charge the ones with a high and come up with more taxes. so that's the only difference and why we could do all those things that we promise. for the workers i think that the most important thing is that we promise to have the minimum wage, we would raise it up to 12 euros an hour. that would be a lot of pay raises for around 10 million people in germany. and that would be something they really want to do for the workers. i something they really want to do for the workm— the workers. i know your parents moved from _ the workers. i know your parents moved from south _ the workers. i know your parents moved from south korea - the workers. i know your parents moved from south korea many l the workers. i know your parents - moved from south korea many years ago, what is your view of the experience of imminent immigrants in germany, has a change in the last election? if germany, has a change in the last election? . ., , germany, has a change in the last election? . . , ., , germany, has a change in the last election? . . , . ., election? it certainly has changed. there are a _ election? it certainly has changed. there are a lot _ election? it certainly has changed. there are a lot more _ election? it certainly has changed. there are a lot more people - election? it certainly has changed. there are a lot more people being| there are a lot more people being aware of what it means to be. it's a global thing. a lot of people really want to have their own voice to get their own boys even in politics. so there are a lot of migrants or children of migrants here running for office right now. it's getting more diverse. hopefully in the bundestag i really hope that will be so that society will be represented in the german parliament. the social democrats. — in the german parliament. the social democrats, thank _ in the german parliament. the social democrats, thank you _ in the german parliament. the social democrats, thank you very _ in the german parliament. the social democrats, thank you very much - democrats, thank you very much indeed. we heard from candidates from the three parties polling highest at the moment. from the christian democrats, angela merkel sparty and the social democrats witches are from them, they are tart but not currently top their leader olaf scholz is favoured to take over and we've heard from the greens with the could be crucial in deciding what coalition government emergence. if you moment during that i will get a look at germany's place in the world stage and how that fits in for whatever new leader we are left with. when germans last voted in a general election in 2017 immigration was a huge issue, over a million refugees are coming to germany during germans refugee crisis. with the puppets picketed two men who came from to germany from syria. i’m picketed two men who came from to germany from syria.— germany from syria. i'm trying to kee an germany from syria. i'm trying to keep an eye _ germany from syria. i'm trying to keep an eye on — germany from syria. i'm trying to keep an eye on the _ germany from syria. i'm trying to keep an eye on the selection - germany from syria. i'm trying to - keep an eye on the selection because the last two elections i was taught in germany because i love says two years. i can't unfortunately vote now but i'm trying to keep an eye on the selection. maybe in the i will be able to vote. find the selection. maybe in the i will be able to vote.— be able to vote. and the issue of refu . ees be able to vote. and the issue of refugees was _ be able to vote. and the issue of refugees was huge _ be able to vote. and the issue of refugees was huge at _ be able to vote. and the issue of refugees was huge at the - be able to vote. and the issue of refugees was huge at the last. refugees was huge at the last election. do you see it being so big this time? ., ~' election. do you see it being so big this time? ., ~ , ., this time? no, i think there is a shift in the _ this time? no, i think there is a shift in the focus _ this time? no, i think there is a shift in the focus points - this time? no, i think there is a shift in the focus points from i this time? no, i think there is a i shift in the focus points from 2017. i remember— shift in the focus points from 2017. i rememberwhen i reararrived into irememberwhen i reararrived into germany— irememberwhen i reararrived into germany in— i rememberwhen i reararrived into germany in 2014 and we saw what happened — germany in 2014 and we saw what happened in 2015 and ending 2017 that was— happened in 2015 and ending 2017 that was the main topic, the migration, the open—door policy that was implemented in 2015 and an angle of articles— was implemented in 2015 and an angle of articles say we can do it. all that— of articles say we can do it. all that will— of articles say we can do it. all that will was made in the main topic for the _ that will was made in the main topic for the parties in the elections. now— for the parties in the elections. now i_ for the parties in the elections. now i think interest is shifted a little _ now i think interest is shifted a little bit — now i think interest is shifted a little bit more into international politics. — little bit more into international politics. i— little bit more into international politics, i guess. more into global warming. — politics, i guess. more into global warming, it's a very important topic at the _ warming, it's a very important topic at the moment. yeah, ithink warming, it's a very important topic at the moment. yeah, i think there is a huge _ at the moment. yeah, i think there is a huge shift in the topics. we were is a huge shift in the topics. were talking is a huge shift in the topics. - were talking just now, neither of you can bow, is that right right? maybe next time. but if you could vote, do you know which party it would support? for vote, do you know which party it would support?— would support? for me i didn't decide yet- _ would support? for me i didn't decide yet- @ _ would support? for me i didn't decide yet. @ keep _ would support? for me i didn't decide yet. @ keep an - would support? for me i didn't decide yet. @ keep an eye - would support? for me i didn't decide yet. @ keep an eye on i would support? for me i didn't i decide yet. @ keep an eye on the selection. maybe in the next month i will have an idea of each party. i would go for the greens, i guess. because — would go for the greens, i guess. because of— would go for the greens, i guess. because of climate change or other policies? because of climate change or other olicies? ., . ., ., .., , policies? climate change of course but also their— policies? climate change of course but also their policies _ policies? climate change of course but also their policies about - but also their policies about migration and refugees in general. because _ migration and refugees in general. because they want to initiate more policies _ because they want to initiate more policies regarding... i�*m because they want to initiate more policies regarding. . ._ policies regarding... i'm ross atkins with — policies regarding... i'm ross atkins with outside _ policies regarding... i'm ross atkins with outside source - policies regarding... i'm ross - atkins with outside source here in a roof garden in berlin as we covered the german election campaign. it's about who becomes the next chance or because this is also the end of a political era. angela merkel is ending the last few weeks or months of her time in charge. this election is a course about the future of germany but notjust about germany because one of the worlds major powers changes leaders after at 16 years of course that's going to have a knock on effects all around the world. i've had a look at what those effects could be. my first reason this election matters is germany's role in the european union. the former president of the european commission argues that merkel has helped set germany's path on this issue. ,, ., , ., ~ issue. she indeed developed a kind of a european _ issue. she indeed developed a kind of a european feeling. _ issue. she indeed developed a kind of a european feeling. after - issue. she indeed developed a kind of a european feeling. after angela merkel there will be no other german chancellor not being pro—european. maybe. that doesn't mean germany's approach to the eu is set in stone. as with many elements of the eu is relatively new leader but it's also about the leader who's leaving. because take the current european commission president ursula vaughn the line for many years she served as a minister in angle of michael's cabinet for that as political rights... the new chancellor must establish a new relationship with brussels and at a crucial time because on issues of defence, climate monetary policy and more big decisions a wait for the eu. that's one reason this election matters. here is a 2nd. take a look at the chart. germany remains by far the biggest co2 emitter in the eu. critics of angela merkel say germany just has it enough to phase out coal. and climate change is certainly a key electoral issue this time. especially for younger boaters. ., ., ., , ., , ., boaters. now we have to stand up and sa 0k, boaters. now we have to stand up and say ok. start — boaters. now we have to stand up and say ok, start driving _ boaters. now we have to stand up and say ok, start driving cars, _ boaters. now we have to stand up and say ok, start driving cars, stopped - say ok, start driving cars, stopped flying to holiday because we need to reduce emissions which is right but we should have also already done this 50 years ago and notjust now. the new government will decide just how germany takes on climate change. and then my third reason this election matters is that germany is working out how it fits into the world. this week my colleague wrote... the issue has been farfrom visible in the televised leadership debates. the three main candidates i've met to debate several times. issues like climate change, taxation and coronavirus vaccines have come up and coronavirus vaccines have come up but broader questions about germany's place in the world have not. a german cars based in london noted another debate without a word on foreign defence policy. that responsibility though is perhaps well understood outside of germany. joe biden acknowledges as much when bidding farewell to angela merkel. thank you for speaking out for what is right and for never failing to defend human dignity. i want to thank you for your continued support at a long—standing goal of your whole free and peace. at a long-standing goal of your whole free and peace.- at a long-standing goal of your whole free and peace. perhaps it's a nation of sleep _ whole free and peace. perhaps it's a nation of sleep met _ whole free and peace. perhaps it's a nation of sleep met nature - whole free and peace. perhaps it's a nation of sleep met nature of - nation of sleep met nature of foreign policy takes a back—seat but behind the urgency of domestic policy during a politics a great unresolved question remains. what kind of global power does germany want to be? that's why once the voting has happen, the coalitions been agreed in the chancellor has been agreed in the chancellor has been chosen, germany's next step matters for all of us. that's why i'll be watching. and if you want to watch remember i will be live with you on the bbc news channel in the uk and on bbc news everywhere else in the world with election special on sunday evening from berlin as those results are to come through. and we start to understand the nature of a government that may replace the cover did not cover london who may lead them. for a moment let's stop would not stop looking forward to let's look back a little and consider the political powerhouse that leads this country at the moment, angela merkel, she's finishing her 16 years as chancellor of germany. angela dorothea kesner she grew up under at the time it was in east germany in the town of temple in about 90 km from berlin. it was there that she developed her collective and the one would not words of 1, learn to keep quiet. the ministry that is merkel has its root in that doomed republic according to stephan cornelius was up in the 19705 she studied physics at karl marx university where she met her first husband whose name she kept even after their divorce in 1982. she was awarded a doctorate for her thesis on quantum chemistry in 1986. recently the pandemic gave her the opportunity to reflect on that time in east germany.— opportunity to reflect on that time in east germany. translation: rest assured for someone _ in east germany. translation: rest assured for someone like _ in east germany. translation: rest assured for someone like me - in east germany. translation: rest assured for someone like me for - in east germany. translation: rest i assured for someone like me for whom travel and freedom of movement are a hard one right such restrictions are only legitimately establish in cases of absolute need. iud’eii only legitimately establish in cases of absolute need.— of absolute need. well after the fall of the berlin _ of absolute need. well after the fall of the berlin wall _ of absolute need. well after the fall of the berlin wall in - of absolute need. well after the fall of the berlin wall in 1989 - fall of the berlin wall in 1989 angela merkeljoined the christian democratic union, the cdu as the party she's come to dominate and she did so in less than a decade. that same year she won a seat in the bundestag and she was eventually appointed ministerfor women. she appointed minister for women. she went appointed ministerfor women. she went on to become environmental minister presiding over the first un climate called friends in berlin. 1998 was a big year for engler merkel, she was elected secretary general of the cdu and she married her long—time companion the chemistry professor. this is a picture of the two of them some ten years earlier. in 2005 was the year that changed the course of german politics was engler merkel was sworn in as chancellor on the november the 22nd. she became the first woman and the first east german and the youngest person at the age of 51 to hold that office. here is the journal it would not german journalist. translation: she's actually a bit of an accident. germany really wasn't ready for it female chancellor. bud germany really wasn't ready for it female chancellor.— germany really wasn't ready for it female chancellor. and when she was elected with — female chancellor. and when she was elected with a — female chancellor. and when she was elected with a half— female chancellor. and when she was elected with a half a _ female chancellor. and when she was elected with a half a million _ female chancellor. and when she was elected with a half a million vote - elected with a half a million vote majority the former chancellor assured her went on television and said she isn't up to this, i will carry on. weeks were in this democratic germany there was a serious discussion by everyone, the media, her own party whether this elected woman could really become chancellor. ~ ~' ., ., chancellor. engler merkel went on to become chancellor. engler merkel went on to laecome arguably _ chancellor. engler merkel went on to become arguably the _ chancellor. engler merkel went on to become arguably the most _ chancellor. engler merkel went on to become arguably the most powerfull become arguably the most powerful woman in the world. some say the most powerfulfigure in woman in the world. some say the most powerful figure in the woman in the world. some say the most powerfulfigure in the history of the european union. here she is as the only female leader at the g7 summit in 2007. ten years later not much a change. this is from a summit she hosted in hamburg in 2017. chancellor merkel has been the steady hand for a series of disasters from the euro zone crisis to covid—19. here she is taking a selfie with a refugee after visiting a reception centre in 2015. she tagged every two tackled every crisis with what german saw as a cool head, made more obvious when she was dealing with leaders of a very different temperament. bium she was dealing with leaders of a very different temperament. blum at least we have — very different temperament. blum at least we have something _ very different temperament. blum at least we have something in - very different temperament. blum at least we have something in common| least we have something in common perhaps _ least we have something in common erha s. ~ �* , least we have something in common --erhas. ~ �*, , ~ ., perhaps. well let's consider angela marcos tomorrow _ perhaps. well let's consider angela marcos tomorrow with _ perhaps. well let's consider angela marcos tomorrow with cape - perhaps. well let's consider angela marcos tomorrow with cape radio i marcos tomorrow with cape radio joins me live in berlin. is it fair to say that engler merkel has really reshaped the way politics works in germany, the very nature of political discourse seems to be in her for? political discourse seems to be in herfor? it political discourse seems to be in her for? ., , ., , . ., her for? it really has changed the wa that her for? it really has changed the way that politics _ her for? it really has changed the way that politics works _ her for? it really has changed the way that politics works here. - her for? it really has changed the way that politics works here. if i way that politics works here. if anything, i think it was in the economist this week when she was described as having trouble lies german politics or is very much what is happening. we could even see this in the polls right now. this fragmentationjust in the polls right now. this fragmentation just a couple of days before german voters cast their ballots. and because many of the parties, nobody is sure what they all stand for individually anymore. many of them all following similar manifestos, similar party programs. that is something that we really saw happen and carried out by merkel first hand over the past 16 years. particularly when it comes to the relationship between her party the cdu by the union or the conservative union and with the social democrats and those two blocks, the social democrats and conservatives were in a governing coalition, a grand coalition they call it is joining these two traditionally big parties for 12 of merkel16 years in office. and what we saw happen was merkel move her conservatives further and further towards the centre line of germany's political spectrum. all the while snatching up many of the social democrats made parties stances and points on policy. in the end you had the social democrats in a real identity crisis for a long time. they ended up again back in another grand coalition with conservatives in the last election. the way that she has been cherry picking points from different parties, different policy points has led to this stagnation now along many of germany's biggest front running parties. bud many of germany's biggest front running parties.— running parties. and how you're describing _ running parties. and how you're describing reminds _ running parties. and how you're describing reminds me - running parties. and how you're describing reminds me of - running parties. and how you're describing reminds me of a - running parties. and how you're i describing reminds me of a phrase the comedian earlier use that she took the politics out of politics. i guess what we are seeing is the politics go back into politics. germans again have to get used to something that lots of arguers experience every day with their politicians. experience every day with their politicians-— politicians. absolutely. this is something — politicians. absolutely. this is something that _ politicians. absolutely. this is something that german - politicians. absolutely. this is| something that german voters politicians. absolutely. this is - something that german voters are simply not user. if there is one thing that german voters love it is stability. even this hand gesture merkel rhombus has become synonymous with presidents not only here in germany but european allies in and around the world stage as well. it seems that it's only really now that it's dawning on german voters but just a couple of days ago that they now have to vote for someone who isn't merkel. were seeing that effect as well. you are right. germans are now very much considering the options, they know there are a lot of undecided voters which makes the selection more interesting. thank you very much. have a quick reminder we will be bringing you live results and analysis in our german elections news special on sunday. join me from 1530 as germans vote to decide who's going to leave during that lead their country, who will make up the next government. it can be absolutely fascinating. dojoin me for that. good evening i've had an unusually warm september so far there is more a few more warm days to come as we head towards the weekend for many of us today it was a pretty normal fare. but he laid down towards assault on 23 degrees for central and southern parts of the uk. compare that with just ten this afternoon across a good part of shetland. we have this cold air that worked its way it was pretty windy earlier on. that doesn't last. we see the winds going round to westerlies in these southerly winds by the weekend bringing plenty of warm and humid weather our way. as we head through this evening some pretty heavy rain is going to move across the dardanelles elves. that will then clear but we see lots of cloud seeding and across western scotland, northern ireland spots of rain with that, mr mark as well. clear spells for the cell phone chilli in some places the majority will hold up in double digits. for tomorrow low pressure to the north high pressure to the self driving a westerly wind, you can see quite a few isobars in the chart especially across the northern active of the uk. that shows that the wind will be quite strong and will feed eight lot of cloud in across western scotland, northwest england, wales, know that i would maybe the southwest. eastern scotland should be some spells of sunshine. and was sheltered from that westerly wind temperatures and parts of every teacher are likely to get to 20 or 21 degrees. further south sunny and parts of england and wales likely to get up to 23, maybe 24 degrees with a quite unusual for the start of year. as we head into the start of year. as we head into the weekend we've got one little frontal system trying to push up from the south. that could introduce some showers into the forecast for the quite a lot of clap put in a cloud around on saturday but we will see a few study spells here and there. i think the best of the sanch are likely to develop across northern scotland. again those temperatures and high team or low 205, quite widely. forthe temperatures and high team or low 205, quite widely. for the second half of the week and we do see a frontal system starting to squash its way in from the west end that will start to strengthen the winds. an increasingly brisk southerly wind blowing during sunday for the greater chance of seeing some showers through the day on sunday for the a greater chance of seeing some sunshine as well but late in the day that what if it makes its move and will turn things but especially across parts of northern island. i had of that another relatively warm day with highs of 23 degrees. this is bbc news. the headlines at eight: nearly 1.5 million customers are hit by the latest energy firms' collapse because of soaring gas prices — as two more firms go bust. we're very unsure who's going to be taking the money next month, who we're going to be paying, who our actual supplier is — and it's very mixed messaging. and in half an hour's time here on bbc news, we'll have a special programme about the energy price crisis and what it means for you. also tonight: a shortage of lorry drivers forces bp and esso to close some of their petrol stations — downing street says people should buy fuel as normal. and, the mother, the father, and the baby that was taken from them in the 19705 because they weren't married. my baby had just been snatched away from me, without a final goodbye.