Left discusses the formation of a government in Berlin, Xi Jinping's visit to the USA ends without concrete results, the Federal Council passes fuel discounts and other laws

After their election victory in Berlin, the Left meets at a party conference to discuss the next step in the possible formation of a government. The focus is on the question of whether the party should invite the SPD and the Greens to exploratory talks. The party leadership supports this step, but within the left there is also skepticism about participating in the government. Fritz Zimmermann, editor in the politics department at ZEIT, analyzes how much the Left actually wants to rule in Berlin. In addition, the stance of the SPD and the Greens also depends on a possible red-green-red coalition. The Greens continue to see an alliance with the Left and the SPD as the preferred option, and Cansel Kiziltepe, deputy SPD state chairwoman, has also expressly spoken out in favor of talks with the Left and the Greens. Michael Schlieben, political correspondent for ZEIT, explains whether a state government led by the Left is possible.

China's head of state and party leader Xi Jinping is ending his three-day state visit to the USA. The meeting with US President Donald Trump focused on the relationship between the US and China as well as discussions on trade, Taiwan, Iran and artificial intelligence. In public, both heads of state presented themselves as friendly and spoke of mutual respect and cooperation. However, concrete results were largely lacking. Only the existing trade agreement between the USA and China is to be extended by two months. The White House's dealings with the media also attracted attention: several major television stations were initially not allowed to report from the government headquarters due to a dispute with the US government. US correspondent Paul Middelhoff classifies the state visit in the podcast.

Also in the update: The Federal Council has decided on the federal government's fuel discount. From October 1st, petrol and diesel will be cheaper by up to 17 cents per liter until the end of the year. In addition, further laws were passed: In the future, child benefit should be gradually and automatically paid out after birth. With the early start pension, the state also pays ten euros a month into a deposit for children from the age of six to 18. And in the future, those injured in accidents involving e-scooters will be able to receive compensation more easily.

Young people across the country have demonstrated against the possible reintroduction of compulsory military service and the planned compulsory military service. The currently planned military service is initially voluntary. If there are not enough volunteers, a so-called compulsory military service could be introduced later.

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Moderation and production: Moses Fendel

Editor: Imre Balzer

Collaboration: Emma Möllenbrock, Celine Yasemin Rolle

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