German Chancellor Friedrich Merz initiated a significant reshuffle of top CDU positions, appointing Nina Warken as chancellery chief, to combat historically low popularity and strengthen the party ahead of crucial regional elections where the far-right AfD poses a threat.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a cabinet reshuffle, appointing Carsten Linnemann as health minister and Nina Warken as chief of staff. This follows Jens Spahn's resignation over a surrogacy controversy and aims to address the government's low popularity and economic stagnation.
Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev visited Berlin for talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, signing a strategic partnership declaration. Discussions centered on increasing Azerbaijani gas supplies to Germany via the Southern Gas Corridor and developing the Middle Corridor trade route, as Europe seeks to reduce reliance on Russian energy.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged that the country's prolonged energy crisis stems from the loss of Russian gas supplies, impacting industry with soaring costs. Germany's economy contracted, and the EU plans to fully ban Russian gas by 2027, despite mounting pressure from fuel prices.
Chancellor Merz considers Cabinet reshuffle after Jens Spahn's resignation, train security guard critically injured, Klopp nears deal with Red Bull to become Germany's coach, and Rhine river levels show signs of recovery.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested a potential government reshuffle following Jens Spahn's resignation as CDU parliamentary leader. Spahn quit after revelations he had a child via surrogacy, banned in Germany, leading to hypocrisy accusations against the former health minister.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a deal with the US to purchase and deploy Tomahawk cruise missiles in Germany. The move aims to bridge a strategic defense gap while Germany also works on developing its own European missile systems.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Germany has doubled its defense spending since 2022, reaching €124 billion this year. Merz stated the increase is for national defense and security, aiming to make the Bundeswehr Europe's strongest conventional army. Russia's Foreign Ministry criticized Germany's militarization.
Axel Springer CEO Mathias Döpfner reportedly urged Chancellor Friedrich Merz to open up to the AfD in a private meeting. Merz allegedly rejected the proposal, with Döpfner issuing a veiled threat. Springer denies the allegations, calling them a smear campaign.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a coalition agreement to cut taxes for low- and middle-income earners and implement economic reforms to revive the stagnant economy. The plan includes tax increases for high earners and measures to boost Germany's export-oriented economy.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faced backlash for a social media post praising the national football team after their World Cup elimination. Critics called the reaction out of touch, while the Chancellor's office cited a communication error. The incident occurs amid low public approval for the government.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faced intense criticism for a social media post praising the national soccer team's dedication after their early World Cup exit, which many Germans found tone-deaf. The Chancellor's Office attributed the post to a "coordination error," as Merz's popularity is already at an all-time low due to economic and infrastructure issues.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is urging Chancellor Friedrich Merz to back European Council President Antonio Costa's proposal to establish communication channels with Russia. AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla called on Merz to show leadership by initiating a change in course and supporting Costa's diplomatic outreach.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced plans to overhaul Germany's pension system in the second half of the year, citing urgency due to the retiring baby boomer generation. Key proposals include a capital-funded savings scheme and linking retirement age to life expectancy, potentially raising it to 70 by 2092.
Germany faces a heatwave, with temperatures potentially reaching 40°C. A survey reveals nearly half of teachers find pupils' behavior stressful, while Chancellor Merz advocates for the full implementation of a 33-point pension reform package.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated China's currency is undervalued by 30%, far exceeding the IMF's estimate. He criticized Beijing's market flooding via subsidies and non-convertible currency, calling it unacceptable and a threat to European manufacturers.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Ukraine cannot become a full EU member while at war, suggesting associate membership instead. He proposed integrating Ukraine into EU military structures and extending defense mutual assistance provisions.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated China's currency is undervalued by 30%, significantly above the IMF's estimate. He criticized Beijing's use of high subsidies and non-convertible currency, warning of market flooding and harm to European manufacturers.
G7 leaders pledged to intensify economic pressure on Russia through strengthened sanctions, particularly on oil and gas. They also committed to increasing air defense and long-range capabilities for Ukraine, signaling a united front to support Kyiv and accelerate peace efforts.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated on Thursday that the EU should defend itself against unfair trade practices, showing increased willingness to support European Commission proposals for a firmer stance on China. Merz highlighted concerns over China's subsidized exports and industrial overcapacity, which he stated are harming European industries and leading to job losses in Germany.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will deliver a government statement to parliament on reforms and the upcoming EU summit. Talks with unions and employers on labor market, social security, and bureaucracy reforms were constructive but yielded no decisions. The EU summit will focus on Ukraine and the bloc's long-term budget.
Thousands demonstrated in Berlin calling for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's resignation, citing deepening dissatisfaction with his government's performance, reflected in a recent INSA poll showing 77% disapproval.
Munich Airport briefly suspends flights due to smoke smell, Zverev wins first Grand Slam, far-right parties eye election wins in eastern Germany, and more.
EU leaders gather in Montenegro to accelerate Western Balkans enlargement, citing geopolitical imperatives amid Russian and Chinese influence, with Montenegro leading candidate nations.
