
AI-generated summary
Der Streit über den Bundeshaushalt eskaliert, nachdem Kanzler Friedrich Merz die Senkung der Stromsteuer für alle angekündigt hat, ohne die Finanzierung zu klären.
Streit über Bundeshaushalt Kann der Kanzler gut verhandeln? Eher nicht, finden sie in der CDU
Friedrich Merz hat sich festgelegt: Die Senkung der Stromsteuer für alle soll kommen. Doch es fehlt die Finanzierung, die SPD lässt den Kanzler auflaufen. In der eigenen Partei wachsen schon wieder Wut und Frust über den Chef.
Von Paul-Anton Krüger und Gerald Traufetter
12.11.2026, 20.02 Uhr

EU Council President António Costa and Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated at the summit in Dublin that the Europeans do not want to name a single top representative for Ukraine peace talks for the time being. Germany, France and Great Britain are to act as E3 in contact with US negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. Russia is now calling for the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donetsk and Luhansk and rejects any cession of territory from Ukraine.
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.