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Friedrich Merz on "Maybrit Illner": "No! I disagree with you quite vigorously!": Barely in office, Chancellor Merz entered the talk show circuit. On ZDF ...
tagesspiegel.de/politik/friedrich-merz-bei-maybrit-illner-nein-da-widerspreche-ich-ihnen-ganz-energisch-13700602.html
Friedrich Merz on
Merz on Illner: What the Chancellor has to say about Trump and the coalition: Friedrich Merz looks ahead to the challenges of being the new Chancellor on ...
zdf.de/nachrichten/politik/deutschland/merz-bei-illner-kanzler-erwartungen-100.html
Merz on Illner: What the Chancellor has to say about Trump and the ...
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Chancellor on "Maybrit Illner": Merz attacks Vance and relies on "military exhaustion" against Putin
rundschau-online.de/politik/maybrit-illner-friedrich-merz-attackiert-j-d-vance-und-wladimir-putin-1025289
Chancellor on
"Maybrit Illner" - | Chancellor Friedrich Merz is a guest on the ZDF talk show: On Thursday, the presenter of the ZDF talk show "Maybrit Illner" welcomed ...
stuttgarter-nachrichten.de/inhalt.maybrit-illner-bundeskanzler-friedrich-merz-bei-talkshow-im-zdf-zu-gast.d1dfeed8-5312-41d7-ba12-ef96bd1cf65f.html
Chancellor on Maybrit Illner: At the after-show party with Friedrich Merz: What does the Thirty Years' War have to do with Ukraine? Who cares about the three ...
spiegel.de/kultur/tv/friedrich-merz-bei-maybrit-illner-auf-der-aftershow-party-mit-dem-kanzler-a-bb926bd9-4d6a-4c9a-a0bc-e16e5f6595d7
Chancellor on Maybrit Illner: At the after-show party with Friedrich Merz
The Chancellor on Maybrit Illner: Friedrich der Milde: After his stumbling start, Friedrich Merz appears demonstratively calm. He downplays the initial disputes ...
sueddeutsche.de/medien/maybrit-illner-friedrich-merz-kanzler-li.3252483
The Chancellor on Maybrit Illner: Friedrich der Milde
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
Government statement by Friedrich Merz: Warning of Russian threat
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Germany Boosts Global Role and Calls for Peace Efforts
Chancellor Merz highlights Germany’s renewed resolve and aims to settle the US trade dispute by early July.
Key Facts1h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: tagesschau.de
  • 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
Merz at the G7 summit: Israel is doing dirty work for us in Iran
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Merz Urges Companies to Support German Defense Efforts
Defense spending will nearly triple to €153 billion by 2029, with businesses asked to allow staff military training leave.
Key Facts7h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: merkur.de
  • 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
Compulsory military service: Friedrich Merz and Boris Pistorius speak out ...
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New Military Service Debate Amid Army Expansion
Germany aims to increase troops to 260,000; voluntary enlistment may be insufficient, say Merz and Pistorius.
Key Facts21h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
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.
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
Macron and Merz: Europe must arm itself in an unstable world
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
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 - ...
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
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
Attacks on Iran: Merz advocates action by Israel and the USA
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 FactsJun 23 · 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.
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/
Germany backs major NATO defense spending boost — but not to please Trump
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.
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: Macron calls US attacks illegal - Merz defends them
‘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-
‘No reason to criticize’ US strikes in Iran: Germany’s Merz
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
Andrea Kiewel confirms love sensation in the TV garden: “Yes said”: Shortly before the start of the ZDF “Fernsehgarten”, Andrea Kiewel drops the cryptic ...
derwesten.de/panorama/promi-tv/andrea-kiewel-fernsehgarten-ring-id301645039.html
Andrea Kiewel confirms love sensation in the TV garden: “Yes said”
Schedule change at ZDF: Jan Böhmermann's show canceled: On "Böhmi brutzelt," Jan Böhmermann cooks with famous people. But ZDF is now removing the show from ...
focus.de/kultur/kino_tv/programmaenderung-beim-zdf-jan-boehmermanns-sendung-fliegt_a66fdc13-0545-448c-96ea-d8a1da906755.html
Schedule change at ZDF: Jan Böhmermann's show canceled
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ZDF Cancels Jan Böhmermann’s Cooking Show
After four years and a recent drop to 100,000 viewers, the show will no longer continue on TV.
Key FactsJun 21 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: focus.de
  • ZDF confirmed that no new season of Jan Böhmermann’s cooking show will be produced.

  • The broadcaster cited the need to foster creative diversity and make room for new ideas.

  • The latest season attracted only around 100,000 viewers on linear television.

  • Viewership declined significantly, while streaming performance remains undisclosed.
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
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.
The enigmatic Mr. Vance: ZDF tries to fathom the “radicalization” of Vance on his way to the top of power. The answers remain unsatisfactory.
sz.de/li.3263608
The enigmatic Mr. Vance
Andrea Kiewel wants to get married: This is known about her fiancé: A few days ago, Andrea Kiewel made her engagement public. The man at her side is an unknown ...
t-online.de/unterhaltung/stars/id_100787538/andrea-kiewel-will-heiraten-das-ist-ueber-ihren-verlobten-bekannt.html
Andrea Kiewel wants to get married: This is known about her fiancé
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Andrea Kiewel Reveals Engagement Ring on TV
In 2024, Kiewel announced her engagement during ZDF’s Fernsehgarten despite travel delays from Tel Aviv amid conflict.
Key FactsJun 22 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: spiegel.de
  • Andrea Kiewel’s return to the ZDF Fernsehgarten was delayed due to the Israel-Iran conflict impacting her travel.

  • She showed her engagement ring live on air and confirmed her relationship with an Israeli partner.

  • Her fiancé, a former elite soldier with 25 years of service, was discussed by Kiewel in a 2024 interview.

  • Living together in Tel Aviv, Kiewel keeps her private life mostly confidential and missed the show’s 25th anniversary due to travel issues.
  • She said yes.
    Andrea Kiewel announces her engagement while appearing on the ZDF show 'Fernsehgarten.'
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.
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”
ZDF gets involved in the “fight against the right”: Now there is an urgent warning about the German federal eagle. It is allegedly a code of the “right-wing ...
weltwoche.de/daily/zdf-steigert-sich-in-kampf-gegen-rechts-rein-nun-wird-dringend-vor-dem-deutschen-bundesadler-gewarnt-er-gilt-angeblich-als-code-der-rechten-szene/
ZDF gets involved in the “fight against the right”: Now there is an urgent ...
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 ...
OpinionSpahn squirms, then Lanz has had enough: “This is a joke!”: A previously unpublished special report has Jens Spahn in need of an explanation. On “Markus Lanz” ...
focus.de/kultur/kino_tv/spahn-windet-sich-dann-hat-lanz-genug-das-ist-doch-ein-witz_2134312f-21e8-4675-82fe-b33cd28dbcbc.html
Spahn squirms, then Lanz has had enough: “This is a joke!”
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Spahn Faces Pressure Over Mask Procurement Scandal
Unreleased special report alleges 2.3 billion euros wasted in mask purchases during early pandemic phase.
Key FactsJun 19 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: focus.de
  • An unpublished report accuses Jens Spahn of unilateral decisions and misusing taxpayer money in mask acquisitions.

  • Spahn justified the excessive spending due to the emergency situation at the pandemic's start but admitted he would handle it differently now.

  • Host Markus Lanz criticized Spahn for lacking genuine accountability and questioned his transparency about the report.

  • Spahn stated the report requires data protection review before release, a process Lanz called opaque and absurd.
  • Mr. Spahn, this is just a joke!
    Markus Lanz expresses his frustration over Jens Spahn's lack of response to the special report on the mask scandal.
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
Industry: Merz calls for more speed in customs negotiations with the USA
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
Iran, Russia and more money: Merz and Macron gear up for Nato summit with ...
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.
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
"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/
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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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 FactsJun 23 · 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.
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
Preview image from berliner-zeitung.de
Photo: berliner-zeitung.de · view article
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.
“Fernsehgarten”: Kiewel won't be coming to Mainz from Israel: Andrea Kiewel lives in Tel Aviv - and presents “Fernsehgarten” live in Mainz on Sundays ...
allgemeine-zeitung.de/panorama/aus-aller-welt/fernsehgarten-kiewel-kommt-von-israel-nicht-nach-mainz-4716027
“Fernsehgarten”: Kiewel won't be coming to Mainz from Israel
Preview image from t-online.de
Photo: t-online.de · view article
Hosts Replace Andrea Kiewel at ZDF Anniversary Show
Due to a flight ban from Tel Aviv amid Middle East conflict, Andrea Kiewel missed the June 15 ZDF Fernsehgarten anniversary.
Key FactsJun 15 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: t-online.de
  • Andrea Kiewel, who has hosted the ZDF Fernsehgarten for 25 years, was absent from the milestone broadcast.

  • Her inability to fly from Tel Aviv to Frankfurt was caused by airspace closures linked to regional hostilities.

  • Joachim Llambi and Lutz van der Horst stepped in as substitute hosts for the live event.

  • Notable performers including Guildo Horn and Guido Maria Kretschmer appeared during the June 15 celebration.
  • Kiwi, we all miss you here and soon you will be back with us.
    Joachim Llambi about Andrea Kiewel's absence in 'Fernsehgarten'.
Preview image from fr.de
Photo: fr.de · view article
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 FactsJun 23 · 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.
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
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
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 ...
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
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
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 ...
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
Chancellor shows a completely new side: That's why Merz is the new ...
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
Israel's strike against Iran is in the interests of the West: good that ...
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
Exclusive: Iran's Shah's son backs Friedrich Merz: “No appeasement with ...
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
RTL/ntv trend barometer: Approval for Merz rises, CDU/CSU emerges from low
Preview image from stern.de
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Union Widens Lead Over AfD in Latest Poll
The RTL/n-tv trend barometer shows the largest gap between Union and AfD in several months as of June 2025.
Key FactsJun 17 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: stern.de
  • 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.
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’
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
Put on trial: Hallervorden attacks Merz after comments on Israel
"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
"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
War in the Middle East: Merz, Macron and Starner demand negotiations from Iran: The USA intervenes in the war and bombs nuclear facilities. Iran threatens ...
augsburger-allgemeine.de/politik/krieg-in-nahost-merz-macron-und-starner-fordern-verhandlungen-vom-iran-103025260
War in the Middle East: Merz, Macron and Starner demand negotiations from ...
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
Markus Lanz: Clear confrontation! “Is it okay to talk like that?”
OpinionGerman Middle East policy: Israel's breach of international law must be clearly stated
taz.de/Israels-Iran-Angriff/!6091717/
German Middle East policy: Israel's breach of international law must be ...
Friedrich Merz can now also thank Donald Trump for his "dirty work": Neither the US administration nor the Israeli government are interested, let alone impressed ...
freitag.de/autoren/lutz-herden/kanzler-merz-kann-nun-auch-donald-trump-fuer-geleistete-drecksarbeit-danken
Friedrich Merz can now also thank Donald Trump for his
Jan Böhmermann: ZDF is taking his show "Böhmi brutzelt" off the air: Joking and cooking: this is the recipe entertainer Jan Böhmermann used to lure his fans to ...
saechsische.de/medien/jan-boehmermann-zdf-nimmt-seine-show-boehmi-brutzelt-aus-dem-programm-CYNBFCLDZZHEXAGJVHABSWQQTM.html
Jan Böhmermann: ZDF is taking his show
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
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/
Lars Klingbeil invents €20 billion for climate protection