BERLIN, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- Social Democratic Party of Germany (SDP) candidate Martin Schulz told German press on Thursday that he wants to persuade viewers of his upcoming TV duel with Chancellor Angela Merkel of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) by talking about concrete policy proposals.
"I do not intend to attack Ms. Merkel personally," Schulz said about his strategy for the highly-anticipated debate.
"I respect Ms. Merkel very much. We know each other well and have often cooperated successfully on a European level," the former European Parliament president said.
Instead, Schulz attempted to differentiate himself from his rival for the chancellorship by showing that the CDU leader lacked an intelligible plan for Germany whereas the SPD had a "concept for the future of the next generation in this country."
The televised stand-off between the two candidates is scheduled for Sunday. Between 15 and 20 million viewers are expected to watch the program.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Schulz reiterated his view that another grand coalition between the CDU/Christian Social Union (CSU) and SPD was unlikely to be formed after the election of a new federal parliament (Bundestag) in September.
"I am under the impression that the CDU/CSU does not want to continue this grand coalition...neither do we."
The goal is now for Schulz to form a new government under his lead.
Despite the SPD candidate's optimism about his political prospects, Schulz continues to trail behind Merkel in opinion polls. A recent Stern RTL Wahltrend survey gave the CDU/CSU 38 percent of voter support while the SPD was endorsed by 24 percent of respondents.
As for which chancellor respondents would elect, Merkel (CDU) continued to enjoy a comfortable lead over her rival. Fifty percent of those polled supported the incumbent German leader, compared to 23 percent support for the SPD candidate.
Steering the conversation away from disappointing polls, Schulz repeated earlier criticism of Merkel for being aloof due to her more than eleven years in office. Schulz said voters deserved the right to hear her responses to issues surrounding social justice, education, retirement, investment, and the future of Europe.
Germany will hold national elections on Sept. 24.
