Angela Merkel’s would-be heir’s problems mount after first TV debate

North Rhine-Westphalia’s State Premier, chairman of the Christian Democratic Union party and candidate for Chancellery Armin Laschet (Michael Kappeler/AP)

Chancellor Angela Merkel’s struggling would-be heir hit back at suggestions that a centre-left rival is better qualified for the job after a televised debate four weeks ahead of Germany’s election failed to give him a clear breakthrough.

Armin Laschet, the chancellor candidate from Mrs Merkel’s centre-right Union bloc, insisted that he was “not at all” frustrated by a poll following Sunday night’s debate.