News on this topic
There are two options when dealing with the AfD: Either you ban it - | or you let it govern.
berliner-zeitung.de/politik-gesellschaft/im-umgang-mit-der-afd-bleiben-zwei-wege-verbieten-oder-regieren-lasseen-li.2325119
There are two options when dealing with the AfD: Either you ban it - | or ...
Debate about far-right party: Merz puts the brakes on AfD ban: Many politicians are now calling for the AfD to be banned. Chancellor Merz has now spoken out in ...
spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/friedrich-merz-tritt-bei-afd-verbotsverfahren-auf-die-bremse-a-f98c4d0e-6064-4e35-b970-049168f1145e
Debate about far-right party: Merz puts the brakes on AfD ban
More articles on this subject
"Smells too strong to me": With one answer, Merz averts a possible AfD ban.: This Friday, the Bundestag will debate the domestic policy of the new federal ...
focus.de/politik/meinung/eine-analyse-von-ulrich-reitz-riecht-mir-zu-sehr-mit-einer-antwort-rasiert-merz-das-afd-gutachten_25ae304a-ce0a-4c86-befe-f5522058af26.html
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz is "very skeptical" about the AfD ban: When it comes to banning the "Alternative for Germany" party, Friedrich Merz is quick to ...
n-tv.de/politik/Bundeskanzler-Friedrich-Merz-sieht-AfD-Verbotsverfahren-sehr-skeptisch-article25768977.html
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz is
Merz: AfD ban proceedings "reeks of the elimination of political rivals": Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) is sceptical about banning the AfD ...
pnp.de/nachrichten/politik/merz-afd-verbotsverfahren-riecht-nach-politischer-konkurrentenbeseitigung-18653945
Merz: AfD ban proceedings
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
Merz at the G7 summit: Israel is doing dirty work for us in Iran
New debate about origin: AfD asks for first names of citizens' allowance recipients
tagesspiegel.de/politik/neue-debatte-um-herkunft-afd-fragt-vornamen-von-burgergeld-empfangern-ab-13892212.html
New debate about origin: AfD asks for first names of citizens' allowance ...
"No reason for criticism": Merz defends US and Israel's attacks on Iran: Chancellor Friedrich Merz uses his first major economic speech to make foreign ...
berliner-zeitung.de/wirtschaft-verantwortung/kein-grund-zur-kritik-merz-verteidigt-us-und-israels-angriffe-auf-iran-li.2335799
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
Merz: Israel is doing “dirty work” for us in Iran
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
Chancellor Friedrich Merz comments on the situation in the Middle East - ...
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
Current poll: Union cannot keep its distance from the AfD
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
Premiere for Charlotte Merz: Chancellor sends an important signal
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G7 Summit Faces Deep Divisions and Declining Influence
The 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
  • 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.
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
TV criticism with Pistorius of Miosga:
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Pistorius on Escalation and Germany’s Defense Readiness
Defense Minister Pistorius identifies Iran as the main Middle East threat and highlights reserve troops’ contact issues through 2029.
Key Facts10h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
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.
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
International calls for de-escalation in the Middle East
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Israel-Iran Conflict Intensifies Amid Global Diplomatic Pressure
Seven days into the conflict, 25 Israelis have died and Trump plans to decide on US military action within two weeks.
Key FactsJun 19 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: gulfnews.com
  • 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.
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
German chancellor says there's 'no reason to criticise' US strikes in Iran
Election in Saxony-Anhalt: The fear that the AfD will bring down the “last stable centrist government in the East”
welt.de/politik/deutschland/plus256278450/wahl-in-sachsen-anhalt-die-angst-dass-die-afd-die-letzte-stabile-regierung-der-mitte-im-osten-zu-fall-bringt.html
Election in Saxony-Anhalt: The fear that the AfD will bring down the “last ...
AfD politician Maximilian Krah owes Jan Böhmermann money - claims the satirist: According to his own statement, AfD politician Maximilian Krah owes the presenter ...
berliner-zeitung.de/news/afd-politiker-maximilian-krah-schuldet-jan-boehmermann-geld-behauptet-der-satiriker-li.2335574
AfD politician Maximilian Krah owes Jan Böhmermann money - claims the ...
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
Vladimir Putin reportedly ready for talks with Chancellor Merz
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Putin Claims Sovereignty Over Entire Ukraine
Putin threatens to capture Sumy, with Russian forces just 18 km from the city’s border amid ongoing conflict.
Key FactsJun 21 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: stern.de
  • 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.
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
Iran urged to negotiate - Merz, Macron and Starmer speak out
State parliament: AfD wants statements made by members of parliament to be exempt from punishment
volksstimme.de/panorama/afd-will-aussagen-von-abgeordneten-straffrei-stellen-4070982
State parliament: AfD wants statements made by members of parliament to be ...
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
Friedrich Merz and ministers refuse to disclose shareholdings
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Opaque Stock Holdings Among German Cabinet Members
Only 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
  • 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.
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
Economic policy: Chancellor Merz's nine-point plan for the economy
AfD party foundation wants taxpayers' money - but maintains contacts with the far right
correctiv.org/aktuelles/neue-rechte/2025/06/19/afd-parteistiftung-pflegt-kontakt-zur-extremen-rechten/
AfD party foundation wants taxpayers' money - but maintains contacts with ...
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Controversy Surrounds Steinbach’s Foundation Funding Bid
Desiderius-Erasmus-Foundation seeks millions in state funds amid scrutiny over ties to right-wing extremists and constitutional concerns.
Key FactsJun 19 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: spiegel.de
  • Erika Steinbach’s Desiderius-Erasmus-Foundation aims to secure state funding worth tens of millions of euros.

  • The Federal Ministry of the Interior is reviewing the foundation’s commitment to democratic principles and its political alignment.

  • Photographs linking Steinbach to known right-wing extremists, including Gernot Mörig, may jeopardize funding approval.

  • Several board members are cited in a constitutional protection report for extremist and racist statements.
  • When proven Nazi cadres meet with the chairwoman of the Desiderius Erasmus Foundation, it is not private.
    Helge Lindh, SPD member of the Bundestag, in an interview with 'Correctiv'.
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
The AfD exposes itself to the Islamic Stone Age mullahs of all people
Everyone warned about this: an investor cancels his plans in this AfD stronghold: The AfD is seen as a location risk for Germany. Nevertheless, it received many ...
fr.de/wirtschaft/davor-haben-alle-gewarnt-in-dieser-afd-hochburg-storniert-ein-investor-seine-plaene-zr-93784854.html
Everyone warned about this: an investor cancels his plans in this AfD ...
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Investor Halts Project Amid Rising AfD Influence
In April 2025, a €10 million nursing school plan was canceled due to 37% AfD support in the proposed location Albstadt.
Key FactsJun 15 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: merkur.de
  • The AfD gained 20.8% of votes in the February federal election and is seen as a threat to economic stability.

  • Investor Kaspar Pfister abandoned plans for a nursing school after discovering 37% AfD voter share in the targeted district.

  • A 2023 IW survey revealed nearly half of businesses in AfD strongholds struggle to recruit foreign skilled workers.

  • IfW research shows populist governments reduce GDP by 10% after 15 years in power, impacting economic growth.
  • If in a town of 6000 inhabitants 37 percent are AfD voters, I can't just set up a nursing school for foreign professionals there.Kaspar Pfister, entrepreneur, on his decision to halt plans for a nursing school in Albstadt.
Anette Riehl fears tourists will stay away because of the AfD: Is the AfD driving holidaymakers away from eastern Germany? One guesthouse operator is convinced: ...
faz.net/aktuell/feuilleton/debatten/anette-riehl-fuerchtet-ausbleibende-touristen-wegen-der-afd-110548272.html
Anette Riehl fears tourists will stay away because of the AfD
“Can't possibly go on vacation where 40 percent vote for Nazis”: This is how the Tagesspiegel community reacts to complaints from Brandenburg restaurateurs
tagesspiegel.de/berlin/ich-kann-unmoglich-urlaub-machen-wo-40-prozent-nazis-wahlen-so-reagiert-die-tagesspiegel-community-auf-beschwerden-brandenburger-gastwirte-13886266.html
“Can't possibly go on vacation where 40 percent vote for Nazis”: This is ...
From Chrupalla to Maaßen to the "Bundesführer": Right-wing newspaper celebrates summer festival in Berlin-Wilmersdorf
tagesspiegel.de/berlin/von-chrupalla-bis-zum-bundesfuhrer-rechte-zeitung-feiert-sommerfest-in-berlin-wilmersdorf-13874638.html
From Chrupalla to Maaßen to the
Hanover: Hundreds protest against AfD “child protection congress” in the state parliament
haz.de/lokales/hannover/hannover-hunderte-protestieren-gegen-afd-kinderschutzkongress-im-landtag-OA7LWKEPGRAB5FAFOGN5TVI2OY.html
Hanover: Hundreds protest against AfD “child protection congress” in the ...
Fake news in the established media: How SA thugs marched into the “Press Club”: As public broadcasters, ARD and ZDF have a special duty of care. However ...
berliner-zeitung.de/kultur-vergnuegen/tv-medien/fake-news-im-etablierten-medienbetrieb-wie-sa-schlaegertrupps-im-presseclub-einmarschierten-li.2335740
Fake news in the established media: How SA thugs marched into the “Press ...
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: Merz wanted to save staff - but creates dozens of new jobs
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
Poll: CDU/CSU extends lead over AfD - Merz's popularity ratings rise
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Union Gains Ground as Merz Popularity Rises
Six weeks into office, Merz's approval hits 43% while Union polling climbs to 28%, matching February’s election results.
Key FactsJun 17 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: welt.de
  • 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.
OpinionDuty of neutrality: Who is not neutral here, please?: Julia Klöckner's Bundestag administration does not allow civil servants to take part in the CSD as a group ...
zeit.de/kultur/2025-06/neutralitaetspflicht-csd-beamte-julia-kloeckner-bundestag
Duty of neutrality: Who is not neutral here, please?
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
Israel is ‘doing dirty work for all of us’ in Iran, German chancellor says
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
War against Iran: Chancellor Merz pledges help to Israel
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Merz Pledges Strong Support to Israel Amid Conflict
Chancellor Merz promises swift fire-fighting aid and warns of potential attacks on Jewish sites in Germany.
Key FactsJun 15 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: spiegel.de
  • 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.
Center for Political Beauty: Evidence for AfD ban now available: The debate about banning the right-wing extremist party, parts of which have been secured ...
berliner-zeitung.de/news/zentrum-fuer-politische-schoenheit-beweise-fuer-afd-verbot-jetzt-einsehbar-li.2333906
Center for Political Beauty: Evidence for AfD ban now available
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New Evidence Fuels Debate on Banning AfD
An art collective compiled 3,663 proofs against AfD after the domestic intelligence agency labeled it extremist.
Key FactsJun 16 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: berliner-zeitung.de
  • The Center for Political Beauty published 3,663 pieces of evidence against AfD on its website.

  • Evidence is categorized into exclusion, hostility to democracy, individual freedoms, separation of powers, and Holocaust.

  • The domestic intelligence service classified the entire AfD as definitively extremist in early May.

  • This classification is currently paused pending a court ruling, with only some state branches officially labeled extremist.
  • The suspicion that the party is pursuing efforts directed against the free democratic basic order has been confirmed and solidified in significant parts.
    — This statement comes from the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, describing the classification of the AfD as securely right-wing extremist.
"Overcontrol": Government slaps down AfD for "unreasonable" mass request: The AfD wants to find out numerous details in identical questions to the ministries ...
focus.de/politik/deutschland/ueberkontrolle-regierung-watscht-afd-fuer-unzumutbare-massenanfrage-ab_1b196027-ccee-42d0-9a06-32309e958dc1.html
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
Sahra Wagenknecht on Chancellor's “dirty work” statement: “Friedrich Merz ...
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
Michael Lüders: “There are strong indications that the US will go to war”
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
Will electricity blad cost less money? What the Merz government is ...
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
Dirty work quote: uproar over Merz statement
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
AfD trend slowed: Merz scores points in new poll
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Merz Gains Support as AfD Declines in June Poll
A June 2025 survey reveals Merz’s approval at 36%, Union leads with 27%, AfD drops to 23%, and SPD holds 16% support.
Key FactsJun 11 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: fr.de
  • 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.
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
Debt offensive: Friedrich Merz ignores citizens' fear of inflation
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Merz’s Debt Strategy Risks Municipal and Consumer Stability
Nearly 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
  • 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.
Federal President vilified: Man from Saale-Holzland district sentenced: Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was vilified.
otz.de/lokales/saale-holzland-kreis/article409275436/bundespraesident-verunglimpft-mann-aus-saale-holzland-kreis-verurteilt.html
Federal President vilified: Man from Saale-Holzland district sentenced
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
Comment: It's the economy, Friedrich Merz
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
Maybrit Illner: Armin Laschet defends Friedrich Merz against criticism of ...
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Middle East Conflict Intensifies with Strikes on Iran
US and Israeli airstrikes severely damage Iran's nuclear sites; Russia offers vague support while Iran threatens critical shipping routes.
Key Facts8h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: fr.de
  • 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.
Thuringian CDU parliamentary group proposes AfD members for important state parliament committees
otz.de/politik/article409285368/thueringer-cdu-fraktion-schlaegt-afd-abgeordneten-fuer-wichtige-landtagsausschuesse-vor.html
Thuringian CDU parliamentary group proposes AfD members for important ...
"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/
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/
Poll shows: Merz increasingly popular, CDU/CSU gains ground - and returns ...
Linke seeks base: fight for the neighborhood: More and more left-wing groups are doing neighborhood work. In Bremen, the Left Party is committed to countering ...
taz.de/Linke-sucht-Basis/!6091889/
Linke seeks base: fight for the neighborhood
Preview image from derwesten.de
Photo: derwesten.de · view article
Ramelow Questions Left Party's Direction Amid Crisis
Bodo Ramelow highlights party divisions intensified by pandemic and war, reflecting on leadership challenges until 2024.
Key FactsJun 20 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: derwesten.de
  • Bodo Ramelow expresses frustration over internal party splits exacerbated by COVID-19, Putin’s war, and rising prices.

  • He finds the developments within the Thuringian Left, including new leadership and office separation, particularly troubling.

  • Ramelow criticizes the lack of respect for officials and the attacks on the red-red-green state government during his term as minister-president.

  • He insists the party must focus on improving lives broadly and avoid becoming isolated, frivolous, or elitist.
  • Am I in the process of leaving the party – or is my party just leaving me?Bodo Ramelow expresses his frustration about the developments in his party on his website.
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
Wait, are they Muslims? Dirty work for Merz: Israel blasts the AfD
Forsa CEO Güllner: "It's entirely possible to return the AfD to its right-wing radical core"
welt.de/politik/deutschland/article256273048/forsa-chef-guellner-durchaus-moeglich-die-afd-auf-rechtsradikalen-kern-zurueckzufuehren.html
Forsa CEO Güllner:
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AfD's Future: Potential Decline Amid Political Challenges
After scoring 20.8% in the last election, the AfD's growth might be curbed by policies focusing on citizens and economy.
Key FactsJun 18 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: welt.de
  • Forsa head Manfred Güllner believes the AfD's rise can be halted by reemphasizing its far-right core.

  • Effective government attention to citizens' needs and protecting Germany’s economic position is crucial for this shift.

  • The grand coalition of CDU and SPD currently enjoys wide voter approval, allowing CDU to gain if it maintains clear boundaries.

  • Most citizens view AfD as unsuitable for government, with polls showing it lags significantly in addressing national issues.
  • It is certainly possible to bring the AfD back to its far-right core.
    Manfred Güllner, head of the Forsa opinion research institute, in an interview with 'Zeit'.
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
Welcome back: Merz lifts Germany back onto the world political stage
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/
EU repeats plea for diplomacy after US bombs Iran
Boris Pistorius at 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
Boris Pistorius at Caren Miosga - | What the Defense Minister says about ...
Preview image from n-tv.de
Photo: n-tv.de · view article
Pistorius Pushes for Strong Army and United Europe
By 2029, Pistorius aims to expand Germany’s military to 260,000 troops amid NATO’s 5% GDP defense spending target.
Key Facts12h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: n-tv.de
  • 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.
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
New poll quake for SPD: Merz government without majority
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-
Iran must ‘never have nuclear weapons’: Merz
“Dear tourists, please give us a chance” : Brandenburg guesthouse laments lack of guests after AfD election success
tagesspiegel.de/potsdam/brandenburg/liebe-touristen-bitte-gebt-uns-eine-chance-pension-beklagt-ausbleiben-von-gasten-nach-afd-wahlerfolgen-13836154.html
“Dear tourists, please give us a chance” : Brandenburg guesthouse laments ...
German farewell culture: Waslat Hasrat-Nazimi's new book "Rausländer": In her book "Rausländer", Waslat Hasrat-Nazimi describes what Germany 2025 feels like for ...
sueddeutsche.de/politik/deutschland-rassismus-ausgrenzung-migration-waslat-hasrat-nazimi-rauslaender-rezension-li.3248769
German farewell culture: Waslat Hasrat-Nazimi's new book
Escalation in the Middle East - but where is the AfD?: The leadership of the Alternative for Germany wants to remain as neutral as possible in the Middle East ...
fr.de/politik/eskalation-im-nahen-osten-aber-wo-ist-eigentlich-die-afd-zr-93795513.html
Escalation in the Middle East - but where is the AfD?
Biodiversity: Beavers belong in the rivers and not on your plate: A study shows that without beavers, our biodiversity would be in a much worse state ...
taz.de/Artenvielfalt/!6092695/
Biodiversity: Beavers belong in the rivers and not on your plate
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/
Merz criticizes EU trade talks with US as ‘far too complicated’
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
New study: This is how former Nazis and the worst anti-Semites got back ...
Special funds: Concrete and bridges alone do not strengthen democracy: With the investment package, Black-Red also wants to weaken the AfD. This can succeed if ...
zeit.de/politik/2025-06/sondervermoegen-finanzpolitik-demokratie-infrastruktur-rechtsextremismus
Special funds: Concrete and bridges alone do not strengthen democracy