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Kallstadt: Merz wants to go to the Palatinate with Trump: Merz has already spoken to Trump on the phone twice. He plans to visit him in Washington "shortly ...
rheinpfalz.de/rheinland-pfalz_artikel,-merz-will-mit-trump-in-die-pfalz-_arid,5773347.html

Trump will soon land in the Palatinate - | will he visit his grandfather's village?
bnn.de/nachrichten/pfalz/donald-trump-landet-bald-in-der-pfalz-besucht-er-endlich-das-dorf-seines-grossvaters
Hometown of the ancestors: Merz invites Trump to the Palatinate: The US President's grandparents come from the wine-growing village of Kallstadt in ...
handelsblatt.com/politik/international/heimatort-der-vorfahren-merz-laedt-trump-in-die-pfalz-ein/100128235.html

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"Home visit" possible: Will US President Trump soon be coming to the Palatinate?: Chancellor Merz (CDU) has invited US President Trump to Kallstadt in the ...
swr.de/swraktuell/rheinland-pfalz/ludwigshafen/bundeskanzler-merz-laedt-donald-trump-nach-kallstadt-bad-duerkheim-ein-100.html

Merz invites Trump to the Palatinate: what the mayor of Kallstadt has to say: Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has invited US President Donald Trump to Germany ...
wiwo.de/politik/deutschland/merz-laedt-trump-in-die-pfalz-was-der-buergermeister-von-kallstadt-dazu-sagt/100128338.html
"Dirty work": Dieter Hallervorden shows Friedrich Merz to: Dieter Hallervorden and around 20 other people have filed a criminal complaint against Federal ...
stern.de/politik/deutschland/-drecksarbeit---dieter-hallervorden-zeigt-friedrich-merz-an-35828168.html

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Hallervorden Files Charges Against Chancellor MerzComedian Hallervorden and 20 others sued Chancellor Merz after his 2024 remarks about Israel’s conflict with Iran sparked legal action.
- Dieter Hallervorden, joined by about 20 others, filed a criminal complaint against Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
- Merz used the term 'dirty work' in a ZDF interview to describe Israel's military actions against Iran.
- The complaint alleges Merz violated Article 26 of the Basic Law, which prohibits acts threatening peaceful international relations.
- Earlier in 2024, Hallervorden attracted controversy with a video criticizing Israel’s policies in Gaza.
If a German head of government believes he can openly and publicly violate Article 26, it could encourage even more people in Germany to advocate for aggressive wars.— Dieter Hallervorden and 20 others filed a complaint against Friedrich Merz, arguing that Merz violated Article 26 of the Basic Law.
Government statement by Friedrich Merz: Warning of Russian threat: The Chancellor comments on the foreign policy situation in a government statement ...
berliner-zeitung.de/news/regierungserklaerung-von-friedrich-merz-warnung-vor-russischer-bedrohung-li.2336148


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Germany Boosts Global Role and Calls for Peace EffortsChancellor Merz highlights Germany’s renewed resolve and aims to settle the US trade dispute by early July.
- Germany has reemerged as an active player on the European and international stage shortly after the new government formed.
- Merz urges a ceasefire in Gaza to ensure humane treatment of vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly.
- Recent Russian airstrikes on Ukraine demonstrate a lack of peace willingness, necessitating a firm response, according to Merz.
- The trade dispute with the US aims for resolution by early July, emphasizing that tariffs harm all parties involved.
A real, lasting peace requires a willingness to make peace from all sides.— Friedrich Merz in his government statement regarding the Ukraine conflict.
Merz at the G7 summit: Israel is doing dirty work for us in Iran: Chancellor Merz has praised Israel's actions against Iran. In an interview with ZDF television ...
de.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/06/17/merz-beim-g7-gipfel-israel-macht-in-iran-drecksarbeit-fur-uns

Opinion“Dirty work”: Friedrich Merz invigorates German politics with his choice of words
nzz.ch/der-andere-blick/drecksarbeit-friedrich-merz-belebt-mit-seiner-wortwahl-die-deutsche-politik-ld.1889599
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Merz Revitalizes German Politics with Bold SpeechSince recently adopting blunt rhetoric, Merz faces criticism while clarifying Germany's stance on Iran and Israel's actions.
- Friedrich Merz referred to Israel’s military strike on Iran as ‘dirty work,’ highlighting the threat posed by Tehran.
- His blunt language sparked criticism across the political spectrum, including from the Greens, AfD, and SPD.
- Unlike his predecessors, Merz openly communicates his views, increasing transparency in foreign policy.
- This frank approach introduces new vulnerabilities but also invigorates political discourse in Germany.
Israel is doing 'the dirty work for all of us.'— Friedrich Merz said this on the sidelines of the G-7 summit in Canada, commenting on Israel's military strike against Iran.
Merz calls on managers: Companies should send employees to the Bundeswehr
fr.de/wirtschaft/merz-fordert-manager-auf-unternehmen-sollen-mitarbeiter-zur-bundeswehr-schicken-93797987.html


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Merz Urges Companies to Support German Defense EffortsDefense spending will nearly triple to €153 billion by 2029, with businesses asked to allow staff military training leave.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlights the critical need for qualified personnel in the Bundeswehr and calls on companies to assist.
- He urges firms to grant employees regular leave for military exercises to enhance national defense capabilities.
- Reinstating conscription is considered likely, as relying solely on volunteers may not suffice.
- The federal budget plans a significant increase in defense funding to meet NATO targets by 2029.
I hope we are all in agreement that it is worth defending this democracy, this freedom.— Chancellor Friedrich Merz during his speech at the Day of Industry.
Compulsory military service: Friedrich Merz and Boris Pistorius speak out in favor of more obligation
berliner-zeitung.de/news/wird-freiwilligkeit-ausreichen-das-sagen-merz-und-pistorius-zur-wehrpflicht-li.2335972


Photo: berliner-zeitung.de · view article
New Military Service Debate Amid Army ExpansionGermany aims to increase troops to 260,000; voluntary enlistment may be insufficient, say Merz and Pistorius.
Key Facts22h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: berliner-zeitung.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: berliner-zeitung.de
- Friedrich Merz considers reinstating conscription likely to support the Bundeswehr's planned enlargement.
- Boris Pistorius intends a draft law supporting voluntary service but allowing partial conscription if volunteer numbers fall short.
- The Bundeswehr plans to grow from about 182,500 to between 250,000 and 260,000 soldiers in the coming years.
- Pistorius highlights that raising soldiers’ pay is essential to attract enough personnel to meet demand.
We will probably (...) not manage with the current volunteer system alone, but will need additional elements of compulsory military service.— Friedrich Merz, Chancellor, at the Industry Day in Berlin.
International calls for de-escalation in the Middle East: Countries around the world are calling on Israel and Iran to stop attacks and take the diplomatic route ...
tagesschau.de/ausland/asien/israel-iran-angriffe-reaktionen-100.html


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Israel-Iran Conflict Intensifies Amid Global Diplomatic PressureSeven days into the conflict, 25 Israelis have died and Trump plans to decide on US military action within two weeks.
- Israel has launched extensive strikes on Iranian targets, destroying over half of Iran's missile launchers within a week.
- Iran retaliates with missile and drone assaults on Israeli military and civilian sites, including a hospital in Beersheba.
- The US is repositioning forces in the Middle East and weighing military involvement, with President Trump expected to decide soon.
- Russia and China condemn the hostilities and call for diplomacy, while the UN highlights risks to civilians and healthcare facilities.
The escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran is putting health facilities and access to health care at risk. The reports on the attacks on health so far are appalling.— World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus condemned the attacks on health facilities in the conflict between Iran and Israel.
Merz: Israel is doing “dirty work” for us in Iran: The German Chancellor calls the government in Tehran a terrorist regime. At the same time ...
merkur.de/politik/merz-israel-macht-im-iran-drecksarbeit-fuer-uns-zr-93788391.html

Premiere for Charlotte Merz: Chancellor sends an important signal: Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrives at the airport in Calgary, Canada ...
morgenpost.de/politik/article409268646/friedrich-merz-charlotte-kanada-g7-gipfel.html


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G7 Summit Faces Deep Divisions and Declining InfluenceThe latest summit ended without consensus as Trump’s erratic stance deepens rifts, leaving major global conflicts unresolved in 2025.
Key FactsJun 18 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: channelnewsasia.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: channelnewsasia.com
- The G7 originated 50 years ago as a coalition of leading industrial democracies to address economic crises like oil shocks and stagflation.
- The recent meeting in Canada revealed stark disagreements, especially between the US under Trump and other members regarding Middle East and Ukraine conflicts.
- Trump distanced himself from traditional G7 policies, rejecting the two-state solution and adopting unconventional approaches toward Russia and China.
- The shared Western values that once united the G7 have eroded, casting doubt on the group’s future relevance and effectiveness.
Running a summit in these circumstances is 'like preparing the red carpet for Godzilla,' one Canadian official told the Financial Times.— A Canadian official made this remark to the Financial Times.
German chancellor says there's 'no reason to criticise' US strikes in Iran: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday that there was "no reason to ...
thelocal.de/20250623/german-chancellor-says-theres-no-reason-to-criticise-us-strikes-in-iran

Macron and Merz: Europe must arm itself in an unstable world: Norms are eroding and old certainties are being challenged — we must act accordingly
ft.com/content/c1bf5fe8-602d-4887-a5eb-1bd247be9d54

Chancellor Friedrich Merz comments on the situation in the Middle East - and appeals to Iran
berliner-zeitung.de/news/kanzler-merz-aeussert-sich-zur-lage-in-nahost-und-appelliert-an-den-iran-li.2335591

Merz in the fast lane: Trend between CDU/CSU and AfD continues in new poll: Friedrich Merz is extending his lead over the AfD: Four points now separate the ...
fr.de/politik/merz-auf-der-ueberholspur-neue-umfrage-zeigt-afd-trend-doch-daempfer-fuer-schwarz-rot-zr-93775423.html


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Merz Boosts Union Support and Voter ConfidenceUnion rises to 27%, Merz gains 13 points in popularity, AfD drops to 23%, and government satisfaction climbs to 37%.
- Friedrich Merz increases his popularity as CDU chancellor candidate to 36 percent.
- The Union rises to 27 percent, while the AfD declines to 23 percent.
- Most Germans back Merz’s migration policies and appreciate his leadership style.
- Public satisfaction with the federal government grows by eight points to 37 percent.
The majority of Germans support Merz's migration policy.— Hermann Binkert, head of Insa, regarding public support for Friedrich Merz's migration policy.
Vladimir Putin reportedly ready for talks with Chancellor Merz: Relations between Moscow and Berlin are at a low point. However, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin is ...
stern.de/politik/ausland/wladimir-putin-angeblich-bereit-zu-gespraech-mit-kanzler-merz-35821492.html
Photo: stern.de · view article
Putin Claims Sovereignty Over Entire UkrainePutin threatens to capture Sumy, with Russian forces just 18 km from the city’s border amid ongoing conflict.
- Putin considers Russians and Ukrainians one people, asserting Russia's claim to the entire Ukrainian territory.
- Russian forces are establishing a buffer zone in the northeast, extending ten to twelve kilometers deep.
- Although not an immediate objective, Putin did not rule out seizing the regional capital Sumy.
- Ukraine’s leadership condemned Putin’s remarks, viewing them as obstacles to peace efforts.
Wherever the foot of a Russian soldier stands, that place belongs to us.— Wladimir Putin stated this during his speech at the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg.
TV criticism with Pistorius of Miosga: "You are giving Putin a platform": On Caren Miosga's show, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius shows how he achieves his ...
faz.net/aktuell/feuilleton/medien-und-film/talkshow/tv-kritik-mit-pistorius-an-miosga-sie-geben-putin-eine-plattform-110552062.html

Photo: berliner-zeitung.de · view article
Pistorius on Escalation and Germany’s Defense ReadinessDefense Minister Pistorius identifies Iran as the main Middle East threat and highlights reserve troops’ contact issues through 2029.
Key FactsJun 23 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: berliner-zeitung.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: berliner-zeitung.de
- Boris Pistorius considers US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites potentially justified to prevent greater harm.
- He stresses that destroying these sites could improve regional stability amid global peace pressures.
- Pistorius insists Germany must be combat-ready by 2029 due to Russia’s ongoing military buildup.
- The German military faces challenges reaching reservists because of inadequate personnel tracking systems.
This can initially be no good news, as it shows and proves that the world's peace order is currently under pressure everywhere.— Boris Pistorius comments on the US bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities during the ZDF program Caren Miosga.
Attacks on Iran: Merz advocates action by Israel and the USA: According to Merz, attacking Iran was not to be criticized. Even if he does not want to repeat the ...
stern.de/politik/deutschland/angriffe-auf-iran--merz-befuerwortet-massnahmen-durch-israel-und-usa--35833958.html
Reducing Bureaucracy: The Job Cuts Simulation: The main thing is less environmental | and climate policy: If you want to know what's on Friedrich Merz's ...
zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2025-06/buerokratieabbau-friedrich-merz-cdu-umweltpolitik-5vor8


Iran: Macron calls US attacks illegal - Merz defends them: Emmanuel Macron believes that the US airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities are not legitimate under ...
berliner-zeitung.de/news/macron-widerspricht-merz-us-angriffe-auf-iran-nicht-legitim-li.2336012

Iran urged to negotiate - Merz, Macron and Starmer speak out: Under Donald Trump, the USA has attacked Iran's nuclear facilities. Now other heads of state are ...
stimme.de/politik/welt/iran-usa-israel-angriff-friedrich-merz-keir-starmer-emmanuel-macron-verhandlungen-art-5064590

‘No reason to criticize’ US strikes in Iran: Germany’s Merz: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday that there was “no reason to criticize” the United ...
english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2025/06/23/-no-reason-to-criticize-us-strikes-in-iran-germany-s-merz-
AfD trend slowed: Merz scores points in new poll: The AfD is losing ground, while Merz increases his lead. This should not only bring relief to the chancellor's ...
fr.de/politik/afd-trend-gebremst-merz-punktet-in-neuer-umfrage-zr-93775423.html


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Merz Gains Support as AfD Declines in June PollA June 2025 survey reveals Merz’s approval at 36%, Union leads with 27%, AfD drops to 23%, and SPD holds 16% support.
- Friedrich Merz’s satisfaction rating increased by 13 points to 36 percent according to a recent Insa poll.
- Approval for the black-red coalition rose to 37 percent, indicating growing public support.
- The Union leads the party rankings at 27 percent while the AfD falls to 23 percent, seemingly deciding the close race.
- Other parties like SPD and Left lost one point each, whereas the Greens gained slightly.
More than a third of voters are satisfied with Friedrich Merz as Chancellor.— This is shown by a survey conducted by the polling institute Insa for Bild am Sonntag.
Germany backs major NATO defense spending boost — but not to please Trump: Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government will boost defense spending to €153 billion in ...
politico.eu/article/friedrich-merz-germany-major-nato-defense-boost-donald-trump-us-eu-military-budget-ukraine-russia/

Friedrich Merz and ministers refuse to disclose shareholdings: Their decisions cause shares to rise or fall - but where their own money is located usually ...
abgeordnetenwatch.de/recherchen/interessenkonflikte/friedrich-merz-und-ministerinnen-verweigern-angaben-zu-aktienbesitz


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Opaque Stock Holdings Among German Cabinet MembersOnly two ministers disclose shareholdings; Chancellor Merz remains silent on his €5.7 million shares in a train maker from 2019.
Key FactsJun 20 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: abgeordnetenwatch.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: abgeordnetenwatch.de
- Germany lacks mandatory transparency requirements for stock ownership among the Chancellor and ministers, unlike France or the United States.
- In 2019, Friedrich Merz held shares worth €5.7 million but does not reveal if he still owns them and is not obliged to do so.
- Most ministries decline to provide details on holdings, with only Building Minister Verena Hubertz and Economy Minister Katherina Reiche making disclosures.
- The Council of Europe demanded stricter disclosure rules in 2020, but no legislative changes have occurred and ministers remain silent on the issue.
As Finance Minister, I sometimes make decisions that are relevant to the capital market or have information about individual listed companies.— Christian Lindner, former Finance Minister, spoke about the conflicts of interest that can arise from political decisions.
War against Iran: Chancellor Merz pledges help to Israel: Iran also attacks civilian targets in Israel, killing ten people. Chancellor Merz has now announced ...
spiegel.de/politik/israel-gegen-iran-kanzler-friedrich-merz-sagt-israel-hilfe-zu-a-f61c373a-bdd9-4a46-bdff-a3a697ce64c0


Photo: spiegel.de · view article
Merz Pledges Strong Support to Israel Amid ConflictChancellor Merz promises swift fire-fighting aid and warns of potential attacks on Jewish sites in Germany.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz calls on Iran to immediately halt attacks against civilian targets in Israel.
- Germany is preparing for possible threats to Israeli and Jewish sites within its borders.
- Merz stresses that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons, as this endangers regional stability.
- Germany will provide Israel with fire-fighting equipment in response to the ongoing conflict.
Tehran must immediately cease the bombardment of civilian targets in Israel.— Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated this on Sunday in Berlin before his departure to the G7 summit in Canada.
Israel is ‘doing dirty work for all of us’ in Iran, German chancellor says: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday expressed strong support for Israel in ...
english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2025/06/17/israel-is-doing-dirty-work-for-all-of-us-in-iran-german-chancellor-says
Poll: CDU/CSU extends lead over AfD - Merz's popularity ratings rise: Six weeks after taking office, approval of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz is growing ...
welt.de/politik/deutschland/article256266478/umfrage-union-baut-vorsprung-vor-afd-aus-beliebtheitswerte-von-merz-steigen.html
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Union Gains Ground as Merz Popularity RisesSix weeks into office, Merz's approval hits 43% while Union polling climbs to 28%, matching February’s election results.
- The Union increased its polling by one point to 28%, regaining its February election level according to the latest Forsa survey.
- The AfD dropped one point to 23%, with SPD and Greens maintaining stable support.
- Merz's approval rating rose to 43%, especially among Union and SPD supporters, although skepticism remains strong in eastern Germany.
- 27% of respondents trust CDU/CSU most to handle national issues, while AfD’s perceived competence fell to 10%.
43 percent of respondents express satisfaction with his work – this is three points more than in the previous week, five more than at the end of May.— This statement comes from a survey measuring public satisfaction with Chancellor Friedrich Merz's performance.
Economic policy: Chancellor Merz's nine-point plan for the economy: On “German Industry Day”, Merz and Finance Minister Klingbeil want to present the economy ...
handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/wirtschaftspolitik-kanzler-merz-neun-punkte-plan-fuer-die-wirtschaft/100136219.html


Government: Merz wanted to save staff - but creates dozens of new jobs: The federal government is propagating lean government and wants to cut jobs. Now, however ...
handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/regierung-merz-wollte-personal-sparen-doch-schafft-dutzende-neue-stellen/100136128.html


+++ Government statement and NATO summit +++: From the beach hotel to the royal palace - | Trump accepts overnight upgrade
spiegel.de/politik/new-zu-friedrich-merz-und-nato-gipfel-beginn-des-nato-gipfels-startet-mit-sicherheitsvorfall-das-news-update-a-46a70dcf-06af-4190-83ae-cfc1ec1e7372
Current poll: Union cannot keep its distance from the AfD: In addition, developments in the Middle East are currently the dominant issue for voters ...
stern.de/trendbarometer--union-kann-abstand-zur-afd-nicht-halten-35833566.html
Government statement: "We need the strength of the law, not the law of the strongest"
zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2025-06/regierungserklaerung-merz-aussprache-nato-ukraine-eu
Michael Lüders: “There are strong indications that the US will go to war”: Israel attacks Iran - and the US could follow suit. Middle East expert Michael Lüders ...
freitag.de/autoren/dorian-baganz/michael-lueders-es-gibt-starke-hinweise-dass-die-usa-in-den-krieg-einsteigen

Sahra Wagenknecht on Chancellor's “dirty work” statement: “Friedrich Merz shows his true colors”
berliner-zeitung.de/politik-gesellschaft/geopolitik/sahra-wagenknecht-friedrich-merz-zeigt-sein-wahres-gesicht-li.2334796

Iran must ‘never have nuclear weapons’: Merz: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Sunday that Iran must “never have nuclear weapons,” his government spokesman ...
english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2025/06/15/iran-must-never-have-nuclear-weapons-merz-
OpinionComment: It's the economy, Friedrich Merz: The Federal Chancellor has arrived on the international stage. At home, the economy is waiting for the starting signal ...
handelsblatt.com/meinung/kommentare/kommentar-its-the-economy-friedrich-merz/100135973.html

Merz has arrived at the White House! The Chancellor will now meet Donald Trump: US President Donald Trump has accepted an invitation from Chancellor Friedrich ...
focus.de/politik/deutschland/usa-reise-des-kanzlers-annaeherung-oder-eklat-was-erwartet-merz-im-weissen-haus_96ddec71-f54c-49d6-a33b-00f4a3c99b75.html


Photo: n-tv.de · view article
Merz Wins Trump’s Praise in Washington VisitDuring a 40-minute meeting, Merz earned unexpected compliments from Trump and avoided anticipated public embarrassments.
- Friedrich Merz impressed Donald Trump with a confident demeanor during his inaugural visit to Washington.
- The extended 40-minute discussion saw Trump openly commend Merz and highlight German achievements.
- Merz skillfully navigated potential pitfalls, including avoiding Trump’s notorious prolonged handshake.
- Following a legal setback at home, Merz reestablished his standing as a reliable partner on the international stage.
I am currently starting to change some fundamental things from the White House, just like the Germans have successfully done.— Donald Trump about the changes he plans to implement, inspired by Germany.
Welcome back: Merz lifts Germany back onto the world political stage: After the dithering Olaf Scholz comes the hands-on Friedrich Merz. The new chancellor has ...
schwaebische.de/politik/welcome-back-merz-hebt-deutschland-wieder-auf-die-politische-weltbuehne-3678177

Dirty work quote: uproar over Merz statement: Friedrich Merz causes a stir from time to time with interview statements. This time it is one of the Chancellor's ...
rheinpfalz.de/politik_artikel,-wirbel-um-merz-aussage-_arid,5785159.html

Debt offensive: Friedrich Merz ignores citizens' fear of inflation: Germany is now flooding the market with federal bonds - but ordinary citizens will end up ...
berliner-zeitung.de/wirtschaft-verantwortung/schuldenoffensive-friedrich-merz-ignoriert-die-angst-der-buerger-vor-inflation-li.2334894


Photo: berliner-zeitung.de · view article
Merz’s Debt Strategy Risks Municipal and Consumer StabilityNearly one trillion euros in debt will be funded by bonds, while local governments warn of severe financial shortfalls ahead.
Key FactsJun 19 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: berliner-zeitung.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: berliner-zeitung.de
- Friedrich Merz proposes a massive investment package financed primarily through the issuance of government bonds.
- Municipalities demand full compensation for revenue losses caused by tax cuts to avoid budget deficits.
- Financial experts caution that high debt levels combined with geopolitical tensions may trigger an inflation shock soon.
- Rising interest rates and inflation increase costs for public budgets and private borrowers, impacting society at large.
The principle 'Who orders, pays' must be applied consistently.— André Berghegger, Managing Director of the German Association of Cities and Municipalities, in the Rheinische Post.
Chancellor shows a completely new side: That's why Merz is the new surprise star in the social media sky
n-tv.de/politik/Darum-ist-Merz-der-neue-Uberraschungsstar-am-Social-Media-Himmel-article25834498.html

Maybrit Illner: Armin Laschet defends Friedrich Merz against criticism of “dirty work” statement
berliner-zeitung.de/news/israel-iran-krieg-laschet-verteidigt-merz-gegen-kritik-an-drecksarbeit-aeusserung-li.2335070

“Free-riding on security policy”: Chancellor Merz calls for European dependence on the USA to be reduced
tagesspiegel.de/politik/sicherheitspolitische-trittbrettfahrerei-kanzler-merz-fordert-europaische-abhangigkeit-von-den-usa-zu-reduzieren-13901773.html
Labour market in Germany: State recently paid around seven billion euros to “top-ups”
spiegel.de/wirtschaft/deutschland-staat-zahlte-zuletzt-rund-sieben-milliarden-euro-an-aufstocker-a-abb43721-281c-446e-a66d-0bad72bc0775

OpinionIsrael's strike against Iran is in the interests of the West: good that Merz is clear on this
nzz.ch/der-andere-blick/israels-schlag-gegen-iran-ist-im-sinne-des-westens-gut-dass-merz-hier-klar-ist-ld.1889144
Will electricity blad cost less money? What the Merz government is planning: The Merz government has announced an electricity price offensive to relieve the ...
infranken.de/ratgeber/karriere-geld/strom-billiger-weniger-kosten-plan-bundesregierung-merz-bis-juli-details-art-6226365
Office for former chancellor: lavishly staffed Scholz office - “You don't need your own court for life”
welt.de/politik/deutschland/plus256281990/ausstattung-fuer-altkanzler-ueppig-besetztes-scholz-buero-sie-brauchen-keinen-eigenen-hofstaat-auf-lebenszeit.html

Poll shows: Merz increasingly popular, CDU/CSU gains ground - and returns to election level
weltwoche.de/daily/umfrage-zeigt-merz-immer-beliebter-union-legt-zu-und-erreicht-wieder-das-wahl-niveau/

RTL/ntv trend barometer: Approval for Merz rises, CDU/CSU emerges from low: Six weeks after taking office, Chancellor Friedrich Merz is gaining approval ...
n-tv.de/politik/Zustimmung-fuer-Merz-steigt-Union-kommt-aus-dem-Tief-article25839438.html

Photo: stern.de · view article
Union Widens Lead Over AfD in Latest PollThe RTL/n-tv trend barometer shows the largest gap between Union and AfD in several months as of June 2025.
- The latest Forsa survey indicates a clear lead for the Union over the AfD.
- The margin between the two parties is the widest in recent months.
- Current political sentiment is strongly shaped by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
- This data stems from the RTL/n-tv trend barometer published in June 2025.
Industry: Merz calls for more speed in customs negotiations with the USA: The “foreign chancellor” also focused on international issues at the Industry Day and ...
handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/industrie-merz-fordert-mehr-tempo-in-zollverhandlungen-mit-usa/100135933.html


OpinionWait, are they Muslims? Dirty work for Merz: Israel blasts the AfD: The Middle East divides the far-right federal party: some are uncomfortable with the war ...
n-tv.de/politik/politik_wieduwilts_woche/Drecksarbeit-fuer-Merz-Israel-sprengt-die-AfD-article25849353.html

Would they fight? How young men think about Germany's defense: Friedrich Merz wants to make the Bundeswehr the strongest army in Europe, Scholz proclaimed the ...
stern.de/politik/deutschland-im-ernstfall-verteidigen---was-jungen-maenner-denken-35787760.html
"We are not sitting with war criminals": Why Chancellor Friedrich Merz should not make politics against, but with Russia
weltwoche.de/daily/wir-sitzen-nicht-mit-kriegsverbrechern-zusammen-warum-kanzler-friedrich-merz-nicht-gegen-sondern-mit-russland-politik-machen-sollte/

EU repeats plea for diplomacy after US bombs Iran: The EU maintains its mantra that diplomacy should take precedence over military action.
euractiv.com/section/defence/news/eu-repeats-plea-for-diplomacy-after-us-bombs-iran/

"It would be good if...": Merz rejects Putin for mediator role in Israel: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz travels to Canada for the G7 summit ...
n-tv.de/mediathek/videos/politik/Merz-erteilt-Putin-Absage-fuer-Vermittler-Rolle-in-Israel-article25838159.html

Boris Pistorius on Caren Miosga - What the Defense Minister says about the US strike against Iran
stuttgarter-nachrichten.de/inhalt.boris-pistorius-bei-caren-miosga-es-gibt-behaebigkeit-in-der-bundeswehr.58dd7a5f-b62c-45c0-b32a-0641e82ed409.html


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Pistorius Pushes for Strong Army and United EuropeBy 2029, Pistorius aims to expand Germany’s military to 260,000 troops amid NATO’s 5% GDP defense spending target.
- Defense Minister Pistorius plans to make Germany combat-ready within four years by significantly strengthening the Bundeswehr by 2029.
- NATO members agreed to raise defense spending to five percent of GDP, prompting unprecedented investments from Germany.
- Pistorius views Iran as the region’s major threat and sees the destruction of its nuclear facilities as beneficial for Middle East stability.
- Ahead of the NATO summit in The Hague, Pistorius highlights the need for European unity and steadfast commitment to collective defense.
We are doing everything to be able to defend ourselves.— Boris Pistorius, Federal Minister of Defense, discusses Germany's readiness for defense in the context of the upcoming NATO summit.
Trump now speaks of "regime change" in Iran after all - | Israel launches new attacks
focus.de/politik/iran-feuert-fattah-3-raketen-auf-israel-khamenei-die-schlacht-beginnt_6d12c0d3-08c8-4f74-800a-b90f3946213f.html


Photo: fr.de · view article
Middle East Conflict Intensifies with Strikes on IranUS and Israeli airstrikes severely damage Iran's nuclear sites; Russia offers vague support while Iran threatens critical shipping routes.
- Israel and the United States launched significant air attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, causing major destruction.
- Russian President Putin condemned the strikes as unprovoked aggression and promised assistance without specifying details.
- In retaliation, Iran threatens to close the vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping lane.
- The conflict escalates with Iranian missile attacks on Israel and political unrest including calls for regime change.
Mister Trump, the player, you may start this war, but we will end it.— A spokesperson for the Iranian Army Central Command, responding to the US attacks.
New poll quake for SPD: Merz government without majority: Friedrich Merz continues to widen his lead over the AfD. However, the SPD's slump is putting the ...
merkur.de/politik/neues-umfragebeben-fuer-spd-merz-regierung-ohne-mehrheit-93795829.html

Ukraine news: Merz accuses Russia of “most serious war crimes”: Ukraine news ticker: Russia attacks Ukraine again with air strikes. Chancellor Merz sharply ...
merkur.de/politik/streit-um-gefangenenaustausch-ukraine-news-russland-mit-luftangriffen-auf-die-ukraine-zr-93775146.html


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War Developments and Diplomatic Tensions in Ukraine ConflictRussia continues attacks amid stalled prisoner exchanges and upcoming US-Russia diplomatic talks in Moscow.
- Chancellor Merz accused Russia of committing the gravest war crimes through targeted attacks on Ukrainian civilians.
- Progress in the prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine remains slow despite an agreement reached in early June in Istanbul.
- Russian frontline casualties are rising daily, with over a thousand soldiers killed or wounded in a single day.
- Russia and the United States plan a diplomatic meeting in Moscow, though restoring relations remains distant.
I have said that Viktor is making a serious historical mistake.— Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding Viktor Orbán's policy towards Ukraine.
Put on trial: Hallervorden attacks Merz after comments on Israel: Dessau-Roßlau/MZ. - Following comments made by Friedrich Merz (CDU) after Israel's attack on ...
mz.de/lokal/dessau-rosslau/friedrich-merz-dieter-hallervorden-israel-iran-gericht-zdf-4068494

Merz: Iran must not develop nuclear weapons: The escalation in the Middle East comes to the fore at the G7 summit. Chancellor Merz has clear messages for Iran ...
stern.de/politik/ausland/merz--iran-darf-keine-nuklearwaffen-entwickeln-35810220.html
Photo: welt.de · view article
Merz Condemns Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions, Backs IsraelAt the G7 summit in Canada, Israel’s airstrikes on Iran caused casualties; Germany commits to providing firefighting aid to Israel.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz calls Iran’s nuclear weapons program an existential threat to Israel and insists Iran must not possess such arms.
- Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian military sites to halt nuclear bomb development, resulting in at least 13 deaths and hundreds injured.
- Germany agrees to supply firefighting equipment to Israel and is preparing for possible attacks on Jewish targets within its borders.
- Merz stresses the conflict must not escalate, civilian bombings must cease, and diplomatic efforts should be revived.
Iran must not develop or possess nuclear weapons.— Friedrich Merz, Chancellor, addressing the threat posed by Iran's nuclear weapons program.
Iran, Russia and more money: Merz and Macron gear up for Nato summit with Trump: Wars in the Middle East and Ukraine: there is plenty to talk about at the first ...
n-tv.de/politik/Merz-und-Macron-ruesten-sich-fuer-Nato-Gipfel-mit-Trump-article25854349.html

She accompanies her husband Friedrich Merz - Chancellor's wife Charlotte Merz in the spotlight at the G7 summit
stuttgarter-nachrichten.de/inhalt.sie-begleitet-ihren-mann-friedrich-merz-kanzlergattin-charlotte-merz-im-rampenlicht-beim-g7-gipfel.1a4be173-f8e1-4b30-bea9-a0a5597215a9.html

Chancellor: Government agrees: Merz rejects demands from SPD "manifesto" on Russia
n-tv.de/politik/Merz-weist-Forderungen-aus-SPD-Manifest-zu-Russland-zurueck-article25827993.html


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SPD Members Call for New Approach to Russia PolicyTwo weeks before the party congress, SPD members spark intense debate with a peace manifesto challenging current military policies.
- Several SPD politicians defend a manifesto that urges moving away from rearmament and increasing cooperation with Russia despite internal criticism.
- Ralf Stegner stresses the need for both military aid to Ukraine and diplomatic talks with Russia, acknowledging that rearmament alone is ineffective.
- The manifesto aims to stimulate broad discussion within the SPD and address consequences from recent election defeats.
- Reactions within the party vary, with some endorsing the paper while others reject cooperation with Russia amid the ongoing conflict.
You cannot militarily defeat Russia.— Ralf Stegner, Member of the Bundestag and foreign policy expert, defends the controversial manifesto on the joint morning magazine of ARD and ZDF.
Exclusive: Iran's Shah's son backs Friedrich Merz: “No appeasement with the Islamic dictatorship”
berliner-zeitung.de/politik-gesellschaft/geopolitik/irans-schah-sohn-setzt-auf-friedrich-merz-kein-appeasement-mit-der-islamischen-diktatur-li.2335193

Iran, Israel, Russia: The most important messages from Merz's government statement
sueddeutsche.de/politik/merz-regierungserklaerung-nato-usa-ukraine-iran-li.3273851

Angela Merkel: "Can go to the movies and take care of the garden": For the most part, former Chancellor Angela Merkel is satisfied with herself and her policies ...
stern.de/politik/deutschland/angela-merkel---kann-ins-kino-gehen-und-mich-um-den-garten-kuemmern--35829176.html
G7 summit: Merz contradicts Trump on the subject of Putin: German Chancellor Merz warns against an escalation between Israel and Iran at the start of the G7 ...
zdfheute.de/politik/deutschland/merz-iran-israel-russland-ukraine-krieg-100.html
OpinionNew study: This is how former Nazis and the worst anti-Semites got back into positions of power in the FRG
berliner-zeitung.de/kultur-vergnuegen/debatte/historiker-so-kamen-in-der-brd-schlimmste-antisemiten-wieder-in-machtpositionen-li.2333795

Markus Lanz: Clear confrontation! “Is it okay to talk like that?”: Markus Lanz put the head of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group Jens Spahn under the microscope on ...
derwesten.de/panorama/promi-tv/markus-lanz-zdf-donnerstag-iran-israel-jens-spahn-id301640478.html

OpinionGerman Middle East policy: Israel's breach of international law must be clearly stated
taz.de/Israels-Iran-Angriff/!6091717/

"Duty to protect the population": Spahn calls for "an Iron Dome over Europe": Israel successfully fends off the majority of Iranian missiles with its Iron Dome ...
n-tv.de/politik/Spahn-fordert-einen-Iron-Dome-ueber-Europa-article25849243.html

Merz backs attacks on Iran
fr.de/politik/merz-stellt-sich-hinter-angriffe-auf-den-iran-zr-93798153.html

Merz speaks pithy words at BDI Day: But managers' expectations are different: Friedrich Merz receives applause for his pithy words at the BDI Day in Berlin ...
sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/merz-bdi-tag-der-industrie-rede-erwartungen-manager-li.3273131
Minister Presidents' Conference: hope, thanks - but still many questions: There are always disputes when the federal and state governments meet ...
tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/merz-mpk-ministerpraesidenten-bund-laender-100.html

OpinionMask affair: Spahn damages the reputation of politics: Hundreds of millions of tax euros were lost because Jens Spahn made mistakes as Minister of Health ...
spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/jens-spahn-und-die-corona-masken-warum-der-cdu-mann-dem-ansehen-der-politik-schadet-a-d0a4ded4-4227-41b5-b9df-53c88a94466c
Photo: spiegel.de · view article
Spahn’s Mask Scandal Threatens CDU CredibilityMask procurement errors in early 2020 cost hundreds of millions, risking trust in Spahn and Chancellor Merz.
- Jens Spahn is accused of costly mistakes during mask procurement as Health Minister in March 2020.
- His current defensive stance intensifies loss of credibility amid public and political scrutiny.
- As CDU parliamentary leader, Spahn faces strong pressure to clarify his past decisions transparently.
- A candid review could mitigate damage to both his reputation and Chancellor Merz’s standing.
Walls will certainly not work.— Former Health Minister Jens Spahn on the necessity to communicate openly about his decisions.
Lars Klingbeil invents €20 billion for climate protection: Is the Ministry of Finance playing tricks with climate money? €20 billion only on paper - | Criticism ...
correctiv.org/aktuelles/klimawandel/2025/06/20/lars-klingbeil-erfindet-20-klima-milliarden/

OpinionThe AfD exposes itself to the Islamic Stone Age mullahs of all people: Exposing: The Islam-critical AfD fails to turn against the mullah regime in Iran ...
focus.de/politik/meinung/ausgerechnet-bei-den-islamischen-steinzeit-mullahs-entlarvt-sich-die-afd_0cc96e95-1fcf-4a8f-968d-3e976280d70e.html

Is Israel doing the “dirty work”? Chancellor Merz is right: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has praised Israel for its efforts against the Iranian regime ...
tagesspiegel.de/politik/macht-israel-die-drecksarbeit-bundeskanzler-merz-hat-recht-13872064.html
Merz criticizes EU trade talks with US as ‘far too complicated’: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz calls to hurry up transatlantic trade talks ahead of EU summit.
politico.eu/article/merz-criticizes-eu-trade-talks-with-us-as-far-too-complicated/

Middle East escalation: deaths after Iranian attacks on Israel - explosions over Jerusalem
fr.de/politik/live-news-ticker-israel-greift-atomanlagen-im-iran-an-explosionen-in-teheran-zr-93782735.html

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