Merz's sources called the rumors of his replacement 'absurd speculation. ' Earlier, media reports suggested the possible appointment of Wüst, Söder, or Spahn.
Trump plans to withdraw significantly more troops from Germany than expected. German authorities and media report a deterioration in relations between the countries.
The Green Party won 30. 4% of the votes, ahead of the CDU with 29.7%. The far-right AfD came in third, and the SPD barely crossed the threshold.
The far-right AfD party has sparked a scandal by questioning the German government about critical vulnerabilities in NATO's defense. This move is seen as fulfilling a "Kremlin's task list," providing Moscow with a strategic advantage.
Friedrich Merz was re-elected as the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Stuttgart, receiving 91. 17% of the votes. The vote took place on February 20, but due to technical glitches and a second round, the results were announced late.
Friedrich Merz confirmed unwavering support for Ukraine and condemned the criminal Russian regime. He called for a new European security strategy based on realism.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned the US against igniting a tariff war and expressed hope for a partnership with China. He plans to discuss this issue with Donald Trump in Washington and with Chinese leaders during a visit to China.
Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner played tennis during a blackout that affected 45,000 households. The opposition is calling for his resignation, but Wegner states that he was in contact and restored power ahead of schedule.
The head of the German parliament's foreign policy committee, Armin Laschet, stated the need for a German-French initiative to coordinate European plans for a ceasefire in Ukraine. He emphasized that Europe must develop its own strong foreign and security policy, agreed upon with Ukraine, which could then be presented to Russia from a position of strength.
On December 17, 2025, German lawmakers plan to approve a record package of arms contracts worth over 50 billion euros. This funding is aimed at creating the strongest army in Europe and covers basic equipment, high-tech weapons, and air defense systems.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that Ukraine might have to make "painful concessions" to end Russian aggression, suggesting a referendum could be held. He noted that diplomacy must produce compromises that the parties to the conflict can support.
Germany's Federal Minister of Agriculture, Alois Rainer, was forced to return to Germany due to technical problems with the Global 5000 aircraft. His visit to the USA has been canceled, and the minister will travel on a commercial flight.
Sahra Wagenknecht, known for her criticism of aid to Ukraine, is stepping down as head of the BSW party. She will lead the commission on fundamental values, and Fabio De Masi will be her successor.
The popularity of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has fallen to 25%, a record low since the government was formed. This comes amid growing dissatisfaction with migration policy and deteriorating economic expectations in Germany.
After Ukraine lifted the travel ban for men aged 18-22, the number of asylum applications in Germany increased from 100 to a thousand per week. This has caused concern among regional authorities, especially in Bavaria, where demands for stricter migration control are growing.
Germany is discussing the reintroduction of military service, proposing a lottery system for conscription if there are not enough volunteers. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressed dissatisfaction with the compromise, considering it impractical.
In Germany, politicians and the Economic Union question the appropriateness of Reformation Day as a non-working day, citing the economic crisis. However, there are also those who advocate for maintaining or even expanding the number of holidays.
The pro-Russian party "Alternative for Germany" (AfD) has for the first time become the most popular political force in the country, overtaking German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's party by 1%. Support for the AfD stood at 26% of voters, while the CDU/CSU was supported by 25%.
German Greens accuse the Merz coalition of obstructing the allocation of 4. 5 billion euros to Ukraine. This issue escalated during the budget session, when the Greens' proposal for additional funds was rejected.
The leaders of two Bundestag coalition factions, Jens Spahn and Matthias Miersch, arrived in Kyiv. This is the first joint visit of the heads of the CDU/CSU and SPD parliamentary groups to Ukraine.
The President of France, the Chancellor of Germany, and the Prime Minister of Poland will visit Moldova. Their visit is intended to support the country's pro-European course and remind of an alternative to Russia.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz accused Putin of a "delaying strategy" regarding a peaceful settlement of the war. He believes that the Russian president is putting forward unacceptable conditions for a meeting with Zelenskyy.
Germany has expressed readiness to join the system of security guarantees for Ukraine. The scope of support has not yet been determined, but the participation of the Bundeswehr is not excluded.
German politicians have called on the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution to put the far-left Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance party under surveillance. The reason for this was the party's actions, which include defending a pro-Russian propagandist and supporting an organization suspected of financing terrorism.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is going on summer vacation with low public support. A YouGov poll shows further strengthening of the far-right "Alternative for Germany" (AfD).
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will sign an agreement on mutual assistance in the event of an armed attack. The document also provides for the joint development of a missile system and measures to mitigate the consequences of Brexit.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is considering cutting social assistance for the unemployed, including Ukrainian refugees, to save public spending. The reform envisages the introduction of a basic income from 2026 and stricter requirements for housing costs.
More than 290,000 people received citizenship in Germany, including 83,000 Syrians and 13,000 Russians, which is six times more than last year. The government has relaxed the citizenship law to attract workers.
Friedrich Merz stated that the EU will not allow a minority to block decisions. He emphasized that there are instruments of influence, including the cessation of funding.
The President of Ukraine congratulated Friedrich Merz and thanked him for his support of Ukraine. Zelenskyy expressed hope for Germany's leadership in European affairs.
