PERSPECTA

News from every angle

Results for "Friedrich Merz"

200 stories found

German Minister Criticized by Merz Over Wealth Tax Debate
Politicsfaz1h ago

German Minister Criticized by Merz Over Wealth Tax Debate

The German Minister for Economic Affairs is clashing with the Minister for Finance, angering the Chancellor. This is not the first time Friedrich Merz has expressed annoyance over discussions concerning the wealthy, raising questions about the minister's job security.

Criticism Mounts Over Merz's Call for Syrians to Return Home
Worldnzztagesschau10d ago2 sources

Criticism Mounts Over Merz's Call for Syrians to Return Home

German politician Friedrich Merz is facing criticism for his statement that 80 percent of Syrians in Germany should return to their home country, with coalition partners calling such targets "not a clever idea" and "shameful."

German Chancellor Questions Coal Reform Amid Mideast Crisis
WorldDWdigi2413d ago2 sources

German Chancellor Questions Coal Reform Amid Mideast Crisis

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has questioned the necessity of coal plant reforms, suggesting they may need to remain online longer due to global energy supply disruptions from the Mideast crisis. He stated that if the energy crisis continues and causes shortages, Germany might be forced to maintain coal power plants in operation for a longer period.

German Chancellor Merz Criticizes EU Bureaucracy
Politicsdigi2418d ago

German Chancellor Merz Criticizes EU Bureaucracy

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is increasingly expressing frustration with the European Union and impatience with Brussels' bureaucracy, shifting his tone from an EU partner to a critic of its excessive regulations.

EVP-AfD Cooperation Sparks 'Brandmauer' Debate in Germany and Europe
Politicsnzztagesschaufaz+3index-hrluxemburger-wortbalkan-web23d ago6 sources

EVP-AfD Cooperation Sparks 'Brandmauer' Debate in Germany and Europe

The alleged cooperation between the EVP and the AfD in the European Parliament has ignited a 'Brandmauer' debate, causing irritation and concern within the CSU and raising questions about the Union's standing in upcoming elections. While Germany maintains a strict stance against right-wing populists, other European countries operate under different rules, highlighting a broader European disagreement on how to engage with such parties.

Merz Faces Election Test in Hesse Amid AfD Gains
PoliticsDW26d ago

Merz Faces Election Test in Hesse Amid AfD Gains

German politician Friedrich Merz is facing a new election test in Hesse state, where the far-right AfD party is expected to make fresh gains. The upcoming local elections are taking place as fuel prices soar, prompting German MPs to urge measures to offset the economic impact.

Germany and Norway announce close cooperation on space technology
Worldnrkvg28d ago2 sources

Germany and Norway announce close cooperation on space technology

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre have confirmed a new close cooperation on space technology, with both nations aiming to work together on space exploration. The announcement was made during their meeting at Andøya, focusing on rocket technology amidst Europe's efforts to launch its own carrier rockets.

Germany Warns Israel Against West Bank Annexation
Worldnewsbeast1mo ago

Germany Warns Israel Against West Bank Annexation

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Israel to abandon any plans for annexing territories in the West Bank, calling it a 'big mistake,' and criticized US and Israeli plans for the war against Iran.

Worldcdm-me1mo ago

Madrid Dissatisfied with German Chancellor Merz Over Trump's Remarks on Spain

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reportedly remained silent while Donald Trump threatened Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez over Spain's stance on the aggression against Iran. Politico reports that the leaders have not spoken since the incident, and Merz allegedly tried to reach Sánchez on the wrong number.

Germany's Nuclear Phase-Out Costs Analyzed by JPMorgan
Businessmarketwatch1mo ago

Germany's Nuclear Phase-Out Costs Analyzed by JPMorgan

A JPMorgan energy analysis has quantified the economic cost of Germany's decision to cease nuclear power production following the 2011 Fukushima accident, a move German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has acknowledged as an error.

Merz’s China visit shows pragmatic diplomacy still matters
WorldSCMP1mo ago

Merz’s China visit shows pragmatic diplomacy still matters

When German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Beijing for his first visit to China last week, it came at a moment of heightened geopolitical attention. With US President Donald Trump expected to visit Beijing in late March or early April, European leaders are watching closely for possible shifts in transatlantic relations and trade policy. Against this anxious backdrop, Merz’s meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing offered something the global stage has been dee...

Will Trump’s Middle East war also engulf Friedrich Merz?
WorldThe Guardian1mo ago

Will Trump’s Middle East war also engulf Friedrich Merz?

The war will have incalculable implications for Europe – and yet, the chancellor has held back from publicly challenging an increasingly erratic Donald Trump • Don’t get This Is Europe delivered to your inbox? Sign up here You could be forgiven for thinking Friedrich Merz would rather be anywhere but Germany of late. But hopes that his stop in Washington this week would provide the chancellor even a brief respite from woes at home were dashed by Donald Trump’s risky Iran gamble. Continue rea...

Donald Trump berates Spain, Friedrich Merz listens
WorldDWder-standardorf1mo ago3 sources

Donald Trump berates Spain, Friedrich Merz listens

Chancellor Merz's visit with US President Trump inevitably focused on the war in the Middle East. Merz remained silent in the Oval Office as Trump berated Spain, though later the chancellor defended his EU partner.

Behöver smickra Trump – lagom
Politicssvenska-dagbladet1mo ago

Behöver smickra Trump – lagom

Europas stora länder sluter nu upp bakom Trump och USA:s allierade i Mellanöstern. På tisdag träffar Tysklands förbundskansler Donald Trump – och Friedrich Merz har ett klart plus hos presidenten.

Merzsplaining: the chancellor’s overconfidence is unpopular in Germany. But could it be what Europe needs? | Joseph de Weck
PoliticsThe Guardian1mo ago

Merzsplaining: the chancellor’s overconfidence is unpopular in Germany. But could it be what Europe needs? | Joseph de Weck

Unlike his predecessors, Friedrich Merz projects certainty, even when he’s wrong. Now he must turn words into a deliverable plan The 18th-century philosopher Johann Gottfried Herder is credited in Germany with coining the maxim: “Talk is silver, but silence is golden.” The saying has come to define Germany’s political culture. Olaf Scholz was economical with words and drew mockery for his wooden, monosyllabic replies as the “Scholzomat” or even the “coma chancellor”. Scholz was not entirely d...

Germany's Merz and Syria's al-Shara Agree on Plan for 80% of Syrian Refugees to Return Home
PoliticsAPReutersBBC+45bloombergFTThe GuardianAl Jazeeradr-dknzzyle-uutisetnos+37 more10d ago48 sources

Germany's Merz and Syria's al-Shara Agree on Plan for 80% of Syrian Refugees to Return Home

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa have reiterated their goal for 80% of Syrian refugees in Germany to return to Syria within three years, aiming for approximately 200,000 returns annually, with an initial focus on Syria taking back its criminal citizens, following al-Sharaa's visit to Berlin where Merz's government emphasized a tougher stance on refugees and migrants.

Germany: CDU Confirmed Winner in Rhineland-Palatinate Election, AfD Makes Gains
Politicsle-mondenostagesschau+9fazDWorfnational-postil-sole-24-orejutarnji-listiefimeridanewsbeast+1 more18d ago12 sources

Germany: CDU Confirmed Winner in Rhineland-Palatinate Election, AfD Makes Gains

Provisional results confirm Friedrich Merz's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has won the elections in Rhineland-Palatinate, ending the SPD's long dominance, while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) also made significant gains.

German State Election: Merz's Conservatives Lead in Rheinland-Pfalz, Coalition Talks Begin
Politicstagesschaufazdnevnik-bg+1straits-times19d ago4 sources

German State Election: Merz's Conservatives Lead in Rheinland-Pfalz, Coalition Talks Begin

In the Rheinland-Pfalz state election on March 22, 2026, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative CDU party is leading according to forecasts and prognoses, ahead of the SPD. With half of the eligible voters already having cast their ballots, discussions are now turning to potential coalition formations, with an interactive calculator available to explore mathematical possibilities.

EU Considers Ban on Russian Soldiers' Entry
Politicsjutarnji-list27d ago

EU Considers Ban on Russian Soldiers' Entry

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and northern EU leaders are pushing for a ban on Russian soldiers who participated in the war against Ukraine from entering the EU, citing security risks.

The Guardian view on a green wake-up call for Friedrich Merz: Europe’s political centre loses its way again | Editorial
PoliticsThe Guardian28d ago

The Guardian view on a green wake-up call for Friedrich Merz: Europe’s political centre loses its way again | Editorial

The German chancellor and his Social Democrat coalition partners need to learn the right lessons, after an election reverse in Germany’s third-largest state For most of the postwar period, the state of Baden-Württemberg was both a bastion of German conservatism and – as the home of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche – an economic powerhouse. But in volatile times, even regions that embodied political stability and industrial prowess now deliver the unexpected. A come-from-behind victory for the Green...

German Chancellor to Visit Norway
Worldvg1mo ago

German Chancellor to Visit Norway

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled to visit Norway on Friday, March 13, following an invitation from Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Madrid Criticizes Trump and Merz Amidst International Tensions
Politicsindex-hrla-vanguardiadanas+1cdm-me1mo ago4 sources

Madrid Criticizes Trump and Merz Amidst International Tensions

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has strongly condemned attacks on Iran and is now facing threats from Donald Trump. Madrid is also reportedly dissatisfied with the stance of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as reported by Deutsche Welle.

Trump and Merz Meet Today at the White House
Politicstagesschaufazindex-hr1mo ago3 sources

Trump and Merz Meet Today at the White House

US President Donald Trump will host German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House today for talks on sensitive topics, from US-Israeli attacks on Iran to Trump's new…

Column Discusses Merz's Dealings with Al-Qaida Figure
Politicsfaz7d ago

Column Discusses Merz's Dealings with Al-Qaida Figure

A column discusses Friedrich Merz's dealings with Ahmed al-Scharaa, who was received like a legitimate head of state despite his responsibility for serious crimes against minorities, implying a controversial political engagement.

Germany's Merz Faces Backlash Over Syrian Refugee Return Comment
WorldThe Guardiannzztagesschau+6fazDWindex-hrn1-serbiadanaszerohedge9d ago9 sources

Germany's Merz Faces Backlash Over Syrian Refugee Return Comment

Friedrich Merz, a prominent German politician, is facing fierce criticism and has since back-pedaled on his remark that 80% of Syrians living in Germany should return to their home country within the next three years. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz clarified that the 'ambitious' return rate was not his idea, while Merz denied having made such a demand, sparking a dispute over the issue.

Controversy Arises Over Return of Syrians from Germany
Worldaktualne-cz10d ago

Controversy Arises Over Return of Syrians from Germany

A dispute has emerged regarding the return of Syrians from Germany, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz clarifying that the interim Syrian President Ahmad Shara, not he, mentioned the goal of 80 percent of Syrians returning home.

German Chancellor Merz and UK's Starmer Hold Separate Calls with Trump on Middle East
PoliticsThe Guardianukrainska-pravdadelfi-lt+2ukrinformqatar-tribune18d ago5 sources

German Chancellor Merz and UK's Starmer Hold Separate Calls with Trump on Middle East

German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz held a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump, discussing Russia's war against Ukraine and the escalating conflict in Iran and the Middle East. Separately, UK Labour leader Keir Starmer also had a 'constructive' call with Trump on the Middle East and Strait of Hormuz.

Friedrich Merz's Six Vectors of Global Politics
Politicsnzz25d ago

Friedrich Merz's Six Vectors of Global Politics

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is navigating the diplomatic stage with confidence, yet he is still seeking answers for Germany's approach to the major geopolitical challenges of the current era, outlined through six key vectors of his global policy.

NATO's Cold Response Exercise Held in Norway
Worldcbc28d ago

NATO's Cold Response Exercise Held in Norway

Prime Minister Mark Carney, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store observed NATO's biennial Cold Response military exercises near Bardufoss, Norway, which involve 32,000 troops.

Epstein documents with claims against Trump released
PoliticsAPReutersBBC+120bloombergNYTwsjFTle-mondewapoThe GuardianNPR+112 more1mo ago123 sources

Epstein documents with claims against Trump released

The US Justice Department published additional FBI documents describing interviews with a woman who said President Donald Trump sexually assaulted her after she was introduced to him by Jeffrey Epstein.

Ukraine war briefing: Merz tells Trump Ukraine must not give up more territory
World1mo ago

Ukraine war briefing: Merz tells Trump Ukraine must not give up more territory

German chancellor says that he underscored need for continued support for Kyiv during US visit ; Trump says Ukraine is ‘very high’ on his priority list. What we know on day 1,470 German chancellor Friedrich Merz, in Washington for talks with Donald Trump, said he stressed that Ukraine should not have to accept further territorial concessions during his conversation with the US president. He said he also underscored the need for continued support for Ukraine, which last week marked the fourth ...

Germany's Merz on high-stakes Washington trip amid Iran fallout
Politicsrfi-english1mo ago

Germany's Merz on high-stakes Washington trip amid Iran fallout

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has arrived in Washington – the first European leader to visit President Donald Trump since the United States and Israel launched their war against Iran. The high-stakes visit to the White House is Merz's third since taking office.