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Bundeswehr: Merz's confidant demands hundreds of thousands of Germans in uniform
fr.de/politik/bundeswehr-merz-intimus-verlangt-hunderttausende-deutsche-in-uniform-zr-93638546.html
Bundeswehr: Merz's confidant demands hundreds of thousands of Germans ...
Quick Glance: Call for Major Troop Expansion in the Bundeswehr
  • Roderich Kiesewetter advocates increasing the Bundeswehr to 460,000 soldiers and reserves in response to the Ukraine conflict.

  • The German government plans to allocate hundreds of billions of euros for military modernization, including recruiting young individuals.

  • Currently, there are 182,857 soldiers and 80,973 civilian employees in the Bundeswehr, which is insufficient for the proposed expansion.

  • Kiesewetter suggests a constitutional amendment for conscription of both women and men to potentially establish a national service.
Bundestag votes for financial package - | What the approval means for Germany: The billion-euro debt package agreed upon by the CDU/CSU, SPD, and Greens has been ...
saechsische.de/politik/bundestag-stimmt-fuer-milliardenschweres-finanzpaket-W7X2PFANKBA3BH6JRC62AWI5QE.html
Bundestag votes for financial package - | What the approval means for ...
Quick Glance: Bundestag Approves Financial Package for Security and Investment
  • The Bundestag approved the financial package from the Union and SPD with 513 votes in favor, surpassing the required two-thirds majority of 489 votes.

  • The vote took place in the old Bundestag to secure the Greens' support, which ultimately agreed despite initial reservations.

  • Friedrich Merz highlighted the package's importance for Germany's security and infrastructure modernization, while critics from the AfD, FDP, and Left voiced strong objections.

  • The package includes the establishment of a special fund of 500 billion euros for infrastructure and climate neutrality investments, but the Bundesrat's approval is still pending.
Basic Law amendment passed: Bundesrat approves financial package worth billions: Berlin, Washington, Brussels - everywhere. ntv reports from all the important ...
n-tv.de/politik/Bundesrat-stimmt-milliardenschwerem-Finanzpaket-zu-article25646430.html
Basic Law amendment passed: Bundesrat approves financial package worth ...
Quick Glance: Bundesrat Faces Key Vote on Financial Package
  • The Bundestag approved a historic credit package for defense, infrastructure, and climate protection.

  • Implementation requires a two-thirds majority from the federal states, bolstered by the prospect of 100 billion euros for infrastructure.

  • Resistance arises from some eastern states and the FDP, while support from Bavaria may prove crucial.

  • Legal challenges, including emergency applications from the AfD and FDP, did not halt the Bundesrat's vote, though approval remains contentious.
Surprising turnaround? This is how Germany could get a red-green-red coalition.: Friedrich Merz is unpopular; the debt package was a gift to the SPD without any ...
berliner-zeitung.de/politik-gesellschaft/ueberraschende-kehrtwende-so-koennte-deutschland-rot-gruen-rot-bekommen-li.2309507
Surprising turnaround? This is how Germany could get a red-green-red ...
Quick Glance: Debt Package and Potential Government Changes in Germany
  • The one trillion euro debt package for defense, infrastructure, and climate neutrality was successfully passed, marking a significant victory for the SPD.

  • Despite the package's approval, tensions remain within the SPD, particularly regarding migration policy and dissatisfaction with Friedrich Merz's chancellorship candidacy.

  • There is a theoretical possibility of a red-green-red minority government if Merz fails to secure the necessary majority in the chancellor vote, potentially leading to political upheaval.

  • However, a more likely scenario involves failed coalition negotiations prompting new elections, which could favor the formation of a leftist minority government.
Debt-ridden Chancellor Merz: Now he must deliver on migration: After breaking his promise on the debt brake, the future German Chancellor Merz must at least ...
nzz.ch/meinung/nach-dem-wortbruch-bei-der-schuldenbremse-merz-muss-bei-der-migration-liefern-ld.1876246
Debt-ridden Chancellor Merz: Now he must deliver on migration
Candidacy: Green parliamentary group leader issues Klöckner an ultimatum: Julia Klöckner wants to run for Bundestag President on behalf of the CDU/CSU ...
handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/kandidatur-gruene-fraktionsspitze-stellt-kloeckner-ein-ultimatum/100115450.html
Candidacy: Green parliamentary group leader issues Klöckner an ultimatum
Resistance to "pure CDU": SPD apparently opposes Merz's migration plans: Following the historic Bundestag vote on the joint financial package ...
n-tv.de/politik/SPD-sperrt-sich-offenbar-gegen-Merz-Migrationsplaene-article25642275.html
Resistance to
Quick Glance: Conflict over Migration in Coalition Talks
  • Disputes have arisen in coalition negotiations between the Union and SPD regarding migration issues.

  • The SPD is blocking Merz's proposals for the rejection and deportation of asylum seekers.

  • A counterproposal from the SPD seeks a general residence permit for persons required to leave the country.

  • Significant differences remain between the Union and SPD over migration policy, especially concerning border returns.
Coalition negotiations: Frustration with the SPD grows in the Union: Following the debt pact, the mood between the CDU/CSU and the SPD is sour ...
handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/koalitionsverhandlungen-in-der-union-waechst-der-frust-ueber-die-spd/100114804.html
Coalition negotiations: Frustration with the SPD grows in the Union
Quick Glance: Union's Frustration with SPD Coalition Negotiations
  • The Union expresses frustration with the SPD during coalition negotiations, as the latter fails to align with electoral results.

  • Union politicians demand a political shift, particularly in migration and economic policies, to meet voter expectations.

  • Tensions arise in negotiations, especially regarding asylum policy and financial incentives for businesses.

  • CDU leader Friedrich Merz emphasizes the need for thoroughness in negotiations rather than rushing to an imprecise coalition agreement.
Angry letter, but also understanding: Rumblings among the CDU base: Merz makes many "furious"
n-tv.de/mediathek/videos/politik/Rumoren-in-CDU-Basis-Merz-macht-viele-stinksauer-article25648428.html
Angry letter, but also understanding: Rumblings among the CDU base: Merz ...
Julia Klöckner: Why her?: Schäuble, Lammert, Süssmuth: When it came to the second-highest office in the state, the CDU/CSU relied on excellence ...
zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2025-03/julia-kloeckner-bundestagspraesidentin-amt-herausforderung-afd
Julia Klöckner: Why her?
Merz plans drastic cuts to citizen's income, heating law, and pensions: "Everything is being put to the test"
fr.de/wirtschaft/merz-plant-drastische-kuerzungen-bei-buergergeld-heizungsgesetz-und-rente-alles-kommt-auf-den-pruefstand-zr-93634845.html
Merz plans drastic cuts to citizen's income, heating law ...
Quick Glance: Merz Announces Major Cuts in Social Policy
  • Friedrich Merz celebrated the Bundestag's approval of his financial plan but announced significant budget cuts are necessary due to a major deficit.

  • He stated that savings must be made in social spending, pensions, and other programs because of an 80 billion euro shortfall.

  • Merz emphasized the need for a fair distribution of rising costs and the negotiation of a comprehensive reform agenda.

  • The CDU intends to review both the citizen's allowance and the heating law, while discussions on potential cuts to parental benefits are increasing.
Friedrich Merz has deceived his voters: The CDU leader has promised Germans a change in conservative politics with solid public finances ...
nzz.ch/der-andere-blick/friedrich-merz-hat-seine-waehler-getaeuscht-ld.1875800
Friedrich Merz has deceived his voters
Quick Glance: Merz Endangers CDU with Voter Deception
  • Friedrich Merz promised the German people a conservative political shift but now faces enormous debt issues.

  • The CDU pledged to uphold the debt brake, yet Merz has committed to significant financial obligations post-election.

  • Critics label Merz's actions as voter deception, as he promised to break away from Red-Green politics but is now cooperating with them.

  • Dissatisfaction among CDU voters is rising, leaving the future of the party and Merz's leadership uncertain.
Back to Russian gas? The outrage is great: Should Russian gas flow to Germany again after the end of the war in Ukraine? Approving statements by CDU politicians ...
tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/debatte-russisches-gas-100.html
Back to Russian gas? The outrage is great
CDU leader disappoints five times: Mr. Merz, you owe us something!: The future coalition has forged the debt deal so well that even Donald Trump would have to ...
n-tv.de/politik/politik_wieduwilts_woche/Herr-Merz-Sie-schulden-uns-was-article25646748.html
CDU leader disappoints five times: Mr. Merz, you owe us something!
Baerbock and Laschet traveling together - | explosive rumor making the rounds: Annalena Baerbock and CDU politician Armin Laschet were together in Syria ...
derwesten.de/politik/baerbock-laschet-aussenminister-syrien-id301492926.html
Baerbock and Laschet traveling together - | explosive rumor making the ...
ZDF political barometer on special funds: Friedrich Merz accused of voter deception
berliner-zeitung.de/news/zdf-politbarometer-zu-sondervermoegen-waehlertaeuschung-vorwurf-gegen-friedrich-merz-li.2309376
ZDF political barometer on special funds: Friedrich Merz accused of voter ...
Heat pumps & Co.: CDU backtracks on abolishing Habeck's heating law: After taking office, the CDU wants to abolish the heating law introduced by Robert ...
berliner-zeitung.de/news/cdu-rudert-bei-der-abschaffung-von-robert-habecks-heizungsgesetz-zurueck-li.2308617
Heat pumps & Co.: CDU backtracks on abolishing Habeck's heating law
RTL/ntv Trend Barometer: AfD only four percentage points behind the CDU/CSU: The billion-euro financial packages up for vote in the Bundestag are changing the ...
n-tv.de/politik/AfD-nur-noch-vier-Prozentpunkte-hinter-der-Union-article25637163.html
RTL/ntv Trend Barometer: AfD only four percentage points behind the ...
Quick Glance: AfD Closes Gap on Union: Shift in Polling Data
  • The Union loses one point in the RTL/ntv trend barometer, reaching 27 percent, while the AfD gains one point to 23 percent, narrowing the gap to four points.

  • The SPD drops one point to 14 percent, while the Greens manage a gain of one point to reach 12 percent.

  • Support for Friedrich Merz as a potential chancellor declines to 34 percent, with skepticism notably higher in Eastern Germany.

  • Overall, 23 percent of respondents believe the Union can best address Germany's challenges, while 43 percent attribute no political competence to any party.
Merz wants to review social spending: | "We are now facing tough decisions": The billion-euro package has been approved, and Merz can breathe a sigh of relief ...
n-tv.de/politik/Wir-stehen-jetzt-vor-harten-Entscheidungen-article25638941.html
Merz wants to review social spending: |
Federal government: Women in the CDU/CSU demand parity in offices: The women's group in the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag is demanding equal ...
berliner-zeitung.de/news/bundesregierung-frauen-in-der-union-fordern-paritaet-bei-aemtern-li.2308843
Federal government: Women in the CDU/CSU demand parity in offices
Merz collects next promise: There should be no climate money - "currently not on the agenda"
fr.de/wirtschaft/trotz-steigendem-co-preis-cdu-will-kein-klimageld-derzeit-nicht-auf-der-tagesordnung-zr-93632490.html
Merz collects next promise: There should be no climate money -
Merz rejects accusation of voter deception: The debt rules enshrined in the German constitution are to be reformed. CDU leader Friedrich Merz does not see this ...
zdf.de/nachrichten/politik/deutschland/merz-schuldenbremse-vorwurf-wahlversprechen-100.html
Merz rejects accusation of voter deception
Quick Glance: Merz Aims for Serious Climate Action as Chancellor
  • Friedrich Merz intends to actively promote climate protection as Chancellor.

  • The Greens secured significant commitments for climate measures within a billion-euro spending plan.

  • Merz defended himself against accusations of deceiving voters regarding debt and expressed support for a potential constitutional amendment.

  • He faced criticism for his frequent use of the Bundeswehr's flight services, deemed inappropriate by critics.
Bundestag approves billion-dollar plan: Merz: | "It's not a pot of money that everyone can help themselves to"
n-tv.de/mediathek/videos/politik/Merz-Kein-Geldtopf-an-dem-sich-jeder-bedienen-kann-article25638990.html
Bundestag approves billion-dollar plan: Merz: |
Comment: Money alone does not make a good chancellor: Merz got the financial package through the Bundestag. But he still has a lot to learn as a tactical ...
handelsblatt.com/meinung/kommentare/kommentar-geld-allein-macht-noch-keinen-guten-kanzler/100114329.html
Comment: Money alone does not make a good chancellor
Friedrich Merz simply can't do it.: Friedrich Merz's billion-dollar package could fail in the Bundestag. The CDU leader is threatening to squander his ...
fr.de/meinung/bundestag-friedrich-merz-kann-es-nicht-kommentar-93624682.html
Friedrich Merz simply can't do it.
Merz's cabinet: Two top Berlin favorites for ministerial posts: Friedrich Merz is set to become chancellor. But with whom will he govern the country? Among ...
berliner-zeitung.de/politik-gesellschaft/das-personalkarussell-im-kabinett-merz-diese-minister-koennten-ab-ostern-deutschland-regieren-li.2308667
Merz's cabinet: Two top Berlin favorites for ministerial posts
“You’re off to a bad start, Fritz!” There’s a Russian message behind the Kremlin’s words to Merz
focus.de/politik/analyse/du-faengst-schlecht-an-fritz-hinter-kreml-worten-an-merz-steckt-eine-russische-botschaft_2e60d8a7-0944-4e26-bb29-52025ff2e7bd.html
“You’re off to a bad start, Fritz!” There’s a Russian message behind the ...
Amendments to the Basic Law: Bundestag votes for debt package from the CDU/CSU and SPD
zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2025-03/bundestag-stimmt-fuer-schuldenpaket-von-union-und-spd
Amendments to the Basic Law: Bundestag votes for debt package from the ...
Federal Constitutional Court: Karlsruhe rejects urgent applications against the financial package
wiwo.de/politik/deutschland/bundesverfassungsgericht-karlsruhe-weist-eilantraege-gegen-finanzpaket-ab/100114496.html
Federal Constitutional Court: Karlsruhe rejects urgent applications ...
President of the Bundestag: Can Julia Klöckner do it?: CDU politician Julia Klöckner is to become President of the Bundestag. The Rhineland-Palatinate native is ...
rheinpfalz.de/politik_artikel,-bundestagspr%C3%A4sidentin-kann-julia-kl%C3%B6ckner-das-_arid,5755295.html
President of the Bundestag: Can Julia Klöckner do it?
Federal Council approves financial package with two-thirds majority: The debt-financed financial package from the CDU/CSU and SPD for defense and infrastructure ...
tagesschau.de/eilmeldung/eilmeldung-8512.html
Federal Council approves financial package with two-thirds majority
Coalition negotiations: Friedrich Merz is driving Germany into a planned economy: Trillions in debt, pension promises, minimum wage hikes: While the CDU leader ...
nzz.ch/der-andere-blick/friedrich-merz-marschiert-munter-richtung-sozialismus-ld.1875695
Coalition negotiations: Friedrich Merz is driving Germany into a planned ...
Mega debt deal: Voters hopefully won't forget this day.: No chancellor has ever paid as high a price for forming a government as Friedrich Merz ...
welt.de/debatte/plus255729496/Mega-Schuldendeal-Die-Waehler-werden-diesen-Tag-hoffentlich-nicht-vergessen.html
Mega debt deal: Voters hopefully won't forget this day.
Merz’s €1tn spending plan wins final approval from Germany’s upper house: Constitutional reform passes last legislative hurdle days before outgoing parliament’s ...
ft.com/content/bf9dde37-2dc8-44df-b5f5-ef5dece888f6
Merz’s €1tn spending plan wins final approval from Germany’s upper house
Parity and abortion: Merz under pressure from women in the CDU and SPD: The presumed next German Chancellor is confronted with far-reaching identity-political ...
nzz.ch/international/paritaet-und-abtreibung-frauen-in-cdu-und-spd-nehmen-friedrich-merz-in-die-zange-ld.1876293
Parity and abortion: Merz under pressure from women in the CDU and SPD
ZDF Politbarometer: Reservations about Merz and the CDU/CSU: Following the relaxation of the debt brake, the CDU/CSU and Merz are accused of voter deception ...
zdf.de/nachrichten/politik/politbarometer-vorbehalte-gegenueber-merz-100.html
ZDF Politbarometer: Reservations about Merz and the CDU/CSU
What happens to stocks if the Merz plan fails in the Bundestag?: The planned special fund of the CDU/CSU and SPD has not yet been passed by the Bundestag ...
capital.de/geld-versicherungen/was-passiert-mit-aktien--wenn-der-merz-plan-im-bundestag-scheitert--35558718.html
What happens to stocks if the Merz plan fails in the Bundestag?
Kretschmer calls for investments in the states' infrastructure: Defense, infrastructure, climate protection: The financial package from the CDU/CSU and SPD ...
tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/kretschmer-interview-bundesrat-100.html
Kretschmer calls for investments in the states' infrastructure
CDU State Leader Rhein: "Merz took the lead from day one": The Hessian Minister-President discusses the opportunities and risks of the debt plan ...
handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/cdu-landeschef-rhein-merz-hat-vom-ersten-tag-an-die-fuehrung-uebernommen/100113671.html
CDU State Leader Rhein:
Julia Klöckner: CDU has apparently overlooked an important detail - | "This is explosive"
derwesten.de/politik/kloeckner-cdu-bundestagspraesidentin-parteifinanzen-cdu-id301489375.html
Julia Klöckner: CDU has apparently overlooked an important detail - | ...
Better thorough than fast: Merz dampens expectations of a speedy government formation
n-tv.de/politik/Merz-bremst-Erwartungen-an-zuegige-Regierungsbildung-article25635904.html
Better thorough than fast: Merz dampens expectations of a speedy ...
"Mask drops": Friedrich Merz displays conspicuous behavior, according to an expert
fr.de/politik/maske-faellt-friedrich-merz-zeigt-laut-expertin-auffaelliges-verhalten-93626758.html
Quick Glance: Friedrich Merz: Expert Insights into Behavior
  • Criticism of Friedrich Merz is increasing on the internet as he engages in coalition negotiations with SPD and Greens.

  • Narcissism expert Britta Papay identifies signs of narcissistic behavior in Merz, particularly regarding his broken campaign promises.

  • Papay emphasizes Merz's use of manipulation, lies, and impulsive decisions to achieve his objectives.

  • Moreover, his tendency to deflect responsibility and place blame on others for his actions is also highlighted.
Trade association supports proposal for maximum weekly working hours: Currently, employees are allowed to work a maximum of eight hours a day ...
tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/arbeitszeit-koalitionsverhandlungen-100.html
Trade association supports proposal for maximum weekly working hours
€2,500 pension for everyone? - | Merz's plan under the microscope: The CDU and the SPD want a future-proof pension solution. The CDU advocates for an early ...
fr.de/wirtschaft/500-euro-rente-fuer-jeden-merz-plan-unter-der-lupe-zr-93636734.html
€2,500 pension for everyone? - | Merz's plan under the microscope
This is how clearly the Court of Auditors castigates the black-red debt plans: The Federal Audit Office warns of fatal consequences of the planned financial ...
wiwo.de/politik/deutschland/unkontrollierte-verschuldungsdynamik-so-deutlich-geisselt-der-rechnungshof-die-schwarz-roten-schuldenplaene/30255348.html
This is how clearly the Court of Auditors castigates the black-red debt ...
Friedrich Merz: King Frederick, the Rich: Friedrich Merz moves into the Chancellery both humiliated and strengthened: as the great debtor - | with Kümmer ...
wiwo.de/politik/deutschland/tauchsieder-koenig-friedrich-der-reiche/30257484.html
Friedrich Merz: King Frederick, the Rich
New Bundestag: Merz wants to propose Klöckner as President of the Bundestag: Traditionally, the largest parliamentary group occupies the post of President of ...
rundschau-online.de/politik/neuer-bundestag-merz-will-kloeckner-als-bundestagspraesidentin-vorschlagen-986671
New Bundestag: Merz wants to propose Klöckner as President of the ...
All motions against the vote on the billions in debt between the Christian Democratic Union and the Social Democratic Party rejected
focus.de/politik/deutschland/bundestagswahl/koalitionsgespraeche-im-newsticker-alle-antraege-gegen-abstimmung-ueber-schwarz-rote-milliardenschulden-abgelehnt_id_260760610.html
All motions against the vote on the billions in debt between the Christian ...
CDU wants Klöckner as President of the Bundestag: Who is the former wine queen?: If the CDU/CSU parties have their way, Julia Klöckner should head parliament in ...
nzz.ch/international/cdu-will-kloeckner-als-bundestagspraesidentin-wer-ist-die-fruehere-weinkoenigin-ld.1875915
CDU wants Klöckner as President of the Bundestag: Who is the former wine ...
Vote on defense and debt brake: This is how Saxony's MPs voted: The defense fund and amendments to the Basic Law were approved by a large majority in the ...
saechsische.de/politik/regional/abstimmung-ueber-schuldenbremse-so-haben-sich-sachsens-abgeordnete-entschieden-KC6SIHQ5DRCR7FQFXTHXQZGHOU.html
Vote on defense and debt brake: This is how Saxony's MPs voted
After the federal election: Federal Council approves amendment to the Basic Law for financial package
augsburger-allgemeine.de/politik/nach-der-bundestagswahl-bundesrat-stimmt-grundgesetzaenderung-fuer-finanzpaket-zu-103658792
After the federal election: Federal Council approves amendment to the ...
Julia Klöckner to become the new President of the Bundestag: At first it was just a rumor, but now it seems to be coming true: Apparently ...
allgemeine-zeitung.de/politik/politik-rheinland-pfalz/julia-kloeckner-soll-neue-bundestagspraesidentin-werden-4469688
Julia Klöckner to become the new President of the Bundestag
"We have nothing in common with your worldview": The entire speech by Merz in the video
stern.de/politik/deutschland/friedrich-merz-attackiert-afd-im-bundestag---ganze-rede-im-video-35561204.html
"When peace prevails": CDU politicians speak of a return to Russian gas: Russia was once Germany's most important energy supplier. The Ukraine war is putting ...
n-tv.de/politik/CDU-Politiker-sprechen-von-Rueckkehr-zu-russischem-Gas-article25642394.html
Before the debt vote in the Bundesrat: Söder's deputy Aiwanger feared becoming a "dead hero"
merkur.de/politik/bundesrat-abstimmung-heute-ueber-milliarden-schuldenpaket-bayern-plant-extrawurst-93639061.html
Before the debt vote in the Bundesrat: Söder's deputy Aiwanger feared ...
Faeser shows Merz the option to stop flights to Afghanistan: The question of accepting Afghan refugees remains controversial, especially in the context of the ...
merkur.de/politik/faeser-zeigt-merz-stopp-option-bei-afghanistan-fluegen-auf-zr-93629012.html
Faeser shows Merz the option to stop flights to Afghanistan
Quick Glance: Migration Policy: Rising Tensions Over Afghan Refugee Intake
  • The federal government continues its programs for receiving Afghan refugees, while CDU and SPD engage in coalition negotiations.

  • A key point of contention is the potential rejection of asylum seekers at German borders, with differing views between the parties.

  • The Interior Ministry indicated a wide discretion in the intake of Afghan refugees, which could be interpreted more restrictively under a CDU-led government.

  • Current charter flights are bringing Afghan nationals to Germany, although CDU politicians criticize the continuation of these intake programs.