
Friedrich Merz is warmly welcomed by the Adenauer Foundation and shows determination, but his plans for the coming days illustrate the Chancellor's delicate situation.
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Friedrich Merz finds himself in a difficult political situation as the Union's candidate for chancellor.
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Merz in crisis The Chancellor has to go into the basement to take a breather
Encouragement in difficult times: Friedrich Merz is warmly welcomed at the Adenauer Foundation and demonstrates determination. But his plans for the coming days show how delicate the situation is for the Chancellor.
By Philipp Wittrock
September 15, 2026, 11:23 p.m

Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky has initiated symbolic impeachment proceedings against Pete Hegseth, the nominee for Secretary of Defense. The vote in the House of Representatives is scheduled to take place this week, despite slim chances of success due to the Republican majority. The timing is sensitive for the party as it comes just before the midterms and wants to avoid intra-party tensions.
The Greens are calling for a socially staggered energy allowance of up to 250 euros per capita, financed by an excess profits tax on fossil fuel companies, as well as higher state bonuses for electric cars with an additional switching bonus of 1,000 euros for low earners, excluding Chinese production.

FBI Director Kash Patel defended changes to federal law enforcement hiring rules before a U.S. Senate committee. This means applicants who have been involved in prostitution or sexual acts with animals in the past may still be considered for FBI positions under certain circumstances. Patel said the changes were specifically intended to prevent victims of human trafficking or forced sexual acts from being automatically disqualified from applying.

The US Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the cost of the Iran war to the Pentagon at $38.1 billion in the first five months, including ammunition replacement and higher fuel costs. The report warns of continued inflationary pressures from disrupted oil and gas supplies and a long-term weakening of US ammunition stocks as the House of Representatives votes on an 18th proposal to limit the president's war powers.
Germany and the USA want to expand their arms cooperation. Defense Minister Pistorius and US counterpart Hegseth signed a declaration of intent in Washington to strengthen the defense industry.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz calls for a real name requirement on the Internet to protect citizens from discrimination and misinformation. He expressly distances himself from the US understanding of unrestricted freedom of expression.