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Friedrich Merz has led the CDU/CSU since 2022. There is growing criticism within the party of his leadership style and political orientation.
In the Union, frustration with Friedrich Merz is becoming increasingly clear. The federal budget, of all things, could now become a test of strength with its own people. Failure included.
In the Union, frustration with Friedrich Merz is becoming increasingly clear. The federal budget, of all things, could now become a test of strength with its own people. Failure included.
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Resistance to candidate for chancellor Friedrich Merz is growing in the CDU/CSU. The middle class parliamentary group, once his fan base, distanced itself after a meeting with him. At the same time, Union Prime Ministers refuse to be close, and 20 members of the Bundestag reject the budget - with a majority of just twelve votes, an existential threat to the coalition.

A year after the death of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, US Vice President JD Vance paid tribute to him at the Republican National Convention, as Republicans face growing anger among young voters over inflation, the Iran war and the Epstein files. In addition, a US appeals court blocked Trump's tightening of postal voting rules, the Pentagon is negotiating a five billion dollar loan for the AI startup Fluidstack, and Trump promised every US citizen $5,000 if the Republicans win the election.

US President Donald Trump urged voters at the Republican convention in Dallas to act as if he were personally on the ballot and promised every US citizen a payment of $5,000 in the event of a Republican victory. At the same time, he criticized the Democrats as communist and attacked the media.
In the local elections in Lower Saxony, new island mayors will be elected on the East Frisian islands of Borkum, Juist, Norderney, Baltrum and Spiekeroog, each for eight years. There will be no elections on Langeoog and Wangerooge because early elections took place there last year. Incumbent Jürgen Akkermann is running unopposed in Borkum, while only Stefan Görnert (CDU) is running in Juist. On Norderney, Frank Ulrichs (independent) faces Annette Pohl (AfD). There are two applicants each on Baltrum and Spiekeroog.

AfD leader Alice Weidel is aiming for at least 40 percent in the next federal election. Experts consider this to be unrealistic given the current potential and high rejection rates.
Berlin children and young people can still take part in the first U16 election for the House of Representatives today. The election takes place in around 340 youth leisure facilities, schools and libraries. The results will be published on Monday at 2 p.m.