Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and his challenger in Germany's federal election, Angela Merkel, have faced off in a nationally televised debate seen by as many as 20 million viewers.

Observers said prior to the broadcast that the only head-to-head debate of the campaign could help some of the many still-undecided voters make a decision, with just two weeks to go before the vote. The two candidates clashed on several issues, with one of the central themes being how to create jobs and spur Germany's struggling economy. After the duel, a snap poll indicated most viewers felt Schröder had won. Analysts said that while the debate was unlikely to affect the outcome of the election, it might determine whether the coalition Merkel is hoping to form with the Free Democrats will win enough votes to have a governing majority.