
AI-generated summary
The dispute over the federal budget escalated after Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a reduction in electricity taxes for everyone without clarifying the financing.
Dispute over the federal budget Can the Chancellor negotiate well? Probably not, they think in the CDU
Friedrich Merz has made his decision: the electricity tax should be reduced for everyone. But there is a lack of funding, the SPD lets the chancellor run. Anger and frustration with the boss are growing again within their own party.
By Paul-Anton Krüger and Gerald Traufetter
November 12, 2026, 8:02 p.m
After meeting with Vladimir Putin in Moscow, US special envoy Steve Witkoff reported progress in talks to end the war in Ukraine and announced a new date for talks. At the same time, European countries are arguing in Dublin over who should speak for Europe in the negotiations.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth awarded Private Thomas Iglesias the Joint Service Commendation Medal after Iglesias called Hegseth and his group to order at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington on Veterans Day. Hegseth posted photos of the award on social media.

After the Republicans' defeat in the US midterm elections, Stephen Miller replaces Susie Wiles as President Trump's chief of staff, and Jim Jordan becomes the new group leader in the House of Representatives. The Nvidia espionage affair, Russia/Ukraine talks and the future of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are also discussed after impeachment proceedings against him were rejected.

In the budget negotiations, the Union and the SPD were able to reach agreements on sugar and plastic taxes, but the planned electricity tax reduction remains controversial. The Union sharply criticizes Finance Minister Klingbeil and calls for the coalition agreement to be implemented.
The CDU general secretary Paul Ziemiak criticizes the SPD for blocking the agreed electricity tax cut. While the Union and the SPD reached agreement on other tax issues, relief for citizens in terms of electricity prices remains a point of contention.

Vladimir Putin reaffirmed his territorial claims to Ukraine at a meeting with Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff in Moscow. He calls for the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donbass. The US negotiators will then travel to Dublin for talks.