Columnist Harald Martenstein was interviewed on the «NZZ Machtspiel» podcast, where he discussed topics like the AfD program, Bild newspaper, and compared Angela Merkel's and Friedrich Merz's leadership.

East German state premiers' demand to preserve the 'Rente mit 63' (early retirement at 63) is challenging the federal government's pension package and jeopardizing reform efforts, prompting calls for Chancellor Friedrich Merz to intervene.

Despite a more visible engagement in EU affairs, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is reportedly irritating his European counterparts by prioritizing national interests over a common vision.

German Ambassador Irene Plank stated that Germany defends itself by supporting Ukraine with weapons and funds. She also noted that Chancellor Friedrich Merz was the first leader to congratulate Rumen Radev on his election victory, and the new Bulgarian Prime Minister's first foreign meeting was with Merz, highlighting strong bilateral relations.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reassigned the State Minister for Sport and gone on vacation, a move that has reportedly caught the German Olympic Sports Confederation by surprise.

Following a missile incident in Poland, European leaders, including Friedrich Merz and Mette Frederiksen, expressed concerns about Russia's willingness to escalate tensions with Europe. Frederiksen pledged to increase pressure on Russia in response to the event.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sought to appease the Christian Union parliamentary group by apologizing for recent communication errors and promising improved communication in the future.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing his most serious political crisis since taking office, triggered by a controversy involving his ally Jens Spahn. The scandal forced Spahn to resign from his role as head of the CDU/CSU parliamentary faction.

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) maintains a strong lead in German polls with 27.8%, while the federal government's popularity and Chancellor Friedrich Merz remain very low. This comes six weeks before critical state elections.

Following Jens Spahn's resignation, Friedrich Merz's attempt to reorganize his team has led to significant unrest within the CDU, with many Christian Democrats expressing anger over the party's current state.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing numerous challenges, with the future of Europe at stake, prompting a need for Germany to reinvent itself urgently.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced his choices for the Ministry of Transport and the CDU's general secretary amidst significant internal party dissatisfaction regarding his recent handling of affairs.

Markus Söder's prediction suggests that discontent over Friedrich Merz's actions regarding the dismissal of Patrick Schnieder is unlikely to subside soon, prompting calls for better justification.

German politics is facing uproar due to scandals involving surrogate parentage and 'sneaky tennis games,' creating headaches for Chancellor Friedrich Merz and a former minister and mayor of Berlin.

Friedrich Merz has reportedly appointed a new Chancellor's Office minister in Germany, a position described as having significant influence and demanding extensive work.

Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's CDU party, is reportedly facing increasing pressure to consider a coalition with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Reports suggest a powerful media conglomerate chief may be influencing this push for cooperation.

Friedrich Merz is highlighting the growing German start-up sector, with the government's start-up strategy facing a reality test despite a perceived 'founding wave'.

Darauf hätten sich Kanzler und CDU-Chef Friedrich Merz und der CSU-Vorsitzende Markus Söder geeinigt, berichtete die "Bild"-Zeitung am Mittwoch

The article discusses the German Chancellor's political landscape, noting that Friedrich Merz will be relieved by the departure of Jens Spahn, leaving Hendrik Wüst as the remaining primary rival, who faces an upcoming election.

German opposition leader Friedrich Merz hosted Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for discussions in Germany.

Following Jens Spahn's resignation, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz appears more composed than his party can afford, as behind-the-scenes discussions about party personnel are already underway.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (likely a reference to Olaf Scholz, or a meeting with CDU leader Merz) met to present common goals and criticized China, aiming to overcome earlier tensions.

Political disagreements regarding the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina and threats against Chancellor Friedrich Merz are being closely monitored in Germany, alongside railway safety and lessons learned.

German comedian Uwe Steimle sparked controversy at an AfD event in Dessau by comparing Friedrich Merz to Hitler and making remarks about 'hanging' and 'putting against the wall' Angela Merkel's portrait.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has strongly criticized a new initiative by Donald Trump's administration to fund organizations in Europe, expressing concerns about potential American interference in German elections.

German politician Friedrich Merz has received a death threat from a Tehran daily newspaper, which listed him among 13 world leaders targeted in retaliation for Khamenei's death, prompting concern among German politicians.

The Kremlin criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's comments on security guarantees for Ukraine, stating that such guarantees are impossible without Russia's involvement.

Friedrich Merz has called for a currency dialogue with China as concerns over trade relations continue to escalate.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's proposed changes to sick leave issuance have been labeled "complete madness" by critics, with Lithuania indicating it intends to pursue a different approach.

Merz did not say when he expected the Tomahawks to be delivered.

A liveblog covering German political developments, including Friedrich Merz's government statement on the NATO meeting and reform decisions. It also notes that the budget committee approved the purchase of at least four frigates, and Wadephul stated NATO is stronger than ever.

Following German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's proposal for economic reforms, including measures related to sick leave, other European governments are now considering similar actions to cut down on sick days, sparking outrage among unions and citizens.

German companies have welcomed Chancellor Friedrich Merz's reform package but warned that the planned 10 billion euro tax breaks would not be sufficient to revive the economy.

Germany plans to allocate 109.7 billion euros, approximately 20% of its 2027 budget, to defense, according to the budget draft presented by Friedrich Merz's government.

A German lawmaker stated that Chancellor Friedrich Merz has become significantly more cautious in his approach to supporting Ukraine since taking office, compared to his stance as an opposition leader.

A new public opinion poll indicates that Germans do not trust Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government or its proposed comprehensive pension reform package.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced government decisions on pension and tax reforms, calling it 'a good day for Germany'. The coalition's decisions were made after preparatory discussions, with Merz and Klingbeil reportedly sending 'Sherpas' ahead to facilitate the process.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faced ridicule after praising the national football team for their commitment and team spirit, despite their humbling early exit from the World Cup. His comments were widely mocked on Tuesday.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a phone call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss bilateral ties, as well as regional and global developments, including NATO and the situation in Ukraine.

Former managers of German nuclear power plants and nuclear energy experts have sent a letter to Chancellor Friedrich Merz, calling on the government to reactivate recently closed nuclear facilities.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed that NATO make a strong financial commitment to Ukraine at its upcoming summit in Ankara, aiming to send a clear signal of support.

During a government inquiry in the Bundestag, Friedrich Merz denied claims of pension cuts, while the Defense Ministry announced the termination of a multi-billion euro frigate project.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz supports the creation of a public pension fund, modeled after Sweden's system, to invest a portion of workers' salaries in capital markets as part of a broader pension system reform.

Germany is moving towards a historic and radical reform of its social welfare system, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposing a fundamental restructuring of the increasingly costly pension system, potentially using a Swedish model with mandatory market investments.

Friedrich Merz has endorsed recommendations from a commission to gradually raise Germany's retirement age to approximately 70 by the early 2090s as part of pension reforms. This proposal aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the pension system.

The government of Friedrich Merz is facing backlash over its proposed pension system reforms, which are considered pivotal structural changes.

Germany is currently experiencing an intense heatwave, with experts predicting that temperatures in some regions could reach up to 40°C. Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated he is prepared to handle the extreme weather.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz anticipates receiving strong proposals next week from an expert commission tasked with making the pension system sustainable for the future, as part of the black-red coalition's domestic reform agenda.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reportedly struggled in international relations, with ties particularly cooling with Paris and Washington.

Friedrich Merz's efforts are still in their early stages, as the German parliament grapples with an ideological conflict, indicating the ongoing challenges faced by the government.

Katherina Reiche, Germany's Minister of Economy, is noted for her political stance within the CDU, which aligns with Friedrich Merz's earlier positions but occasionally disrupts the peace within the ruling coalition.

Pro-Palestine activists blocked the entrance to the ILA Berlin Air Show, a major aviation conference where Chancellor Friedrich Merz was scheduled to speak.

Friedrich Merz wurde von Gewerkschaftern ausgebuht. Jetzt sollen ausgerechnet sie ihn retten.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reportedly drastically changed his stance on the US-Israel war with Iran, which has lasted 100 days and included attacks that killed Iranian leaders and civilians. This shift is expected to have significant consequences.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that Serbia must make a clear choice between aligning with Europe or continuing its balancing act with Russia and China. He emphasized that a policy of balancing these powers is not sustainable.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Serbia has an open path to the European Union but must decide where its future lies.

Friedrich Merz emphasized that the European Union must be prepared and capable of expanding, a statement made during a summit with Balkan leaders.

Friedrich Merz, at a business conference in Berlin, warned against the rise of the far-right in Germany and reiterated his commitment to the current coalition government, stating that the AfD's Nazi past precludes any cooperation.

German politician Friedrich Merz proposed former East Germany as a "model for the process of economic transformation at the national level," aiming to instill optimism and acceptance of reforms among citizens.

Some media outlets are criticizing Friedrich Merz's personnel policy, with some even speculating about a potential end to his chancellorship ambitions, though the article suggests such criticism might be exaggerated.

Despite Friedrich Merz being on summer vacation, significant discontent is brewing within Germany's CDU party, with a state branch even campaigning with a comedian who mocks the party leader.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing a severe leadership crisis, with his weaknesses exposed by both political and procedural errors.

Markus Söder, leader of the CSU party, has publicly expressed strong support for CDU leader Friedrich Merz, emphasizing the need for unity amidst recent speculation about Merz's leadership due to poor government poll numbers.

There is a widespread perception in Germany that Friedrich Merz lacks appeal, despite the Chancellor's attempts to project an image of invincibility.

German politician Friedrich Merz, facing low popularity, reportedly chose Pope Leo's encyclical on AI as his beach read, seeking spiritual guidance.

A period of unrest within the CDU has concluded with the planned election of Thorsten Frei, allowing Friedrich Merz time for a vacation.

German leader Friedrich Merz's visit to Dublin was reportedly held up by translation issues, during which he subtly pressured the Taoiseach to support his goal of significantly cutting EU spending.

Following the resignation of Spahn and Friedrich Merz's subsequent team reshuffle, there is significant unrest within Germany's CDU party, with some members reportedly discussing a future leadership without Merz.

German Minister Reiche is reportedly under significant pressure during her summer tour, amidst open dissatisfaction from Friedrich Merz regarding her performance as Economics Minister.

A commentary piece discusses the struggles of CDU leader Friedrich Merz, suggesting a change in leadership amidst poor performance ahead of elections.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reshuffled his cabinet weeks before regional elections, aiming to reassure the public amidst a looming surge from the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD).

A guest commentary discusses Friedrich Merz's political missteps and challenges in gaining stable majorities. The article questions how the German politician can achieve consistent political support after allegedly misleading millions of voters.

A surrogacy scandal has thrown Friedrich Merz’s government and Germany's conservative political landscape into turmoil, just as the administration was beginning to stabilize.

A close associate of Chancellor Friedrich Merz has been appointed to lead the CDU and CSU parliamentary group, one of the most influential positions in German politics. The ruling conservative parties moved quickly to fill the role.

Thorsten Frei, a close confidant of Friedrich Merz, has been replaced as parliamentary group leader for the conservative CDU/CSU bloc following a surrogacy controversy.

Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer has criticized the CDU's 'firewall' policy against the AfD, stating that 'whoever still talks about firewalls has not recognized the signs of the times,' contradicting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's recent stance.

Jens Spahn, a close associate of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has resigned following public outcry over his decision to have a child via surrogacy. The controversy sparked intense debate among politicians and the public.

The prospect of Marine Le Pen becoming President of France is causing concern in Berlin, despite German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's previous statement of friendship with any French president.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German opposition leader Friedrich Merz announced plans to deepen defense cooperation and present a united front against China. They also discussed Europe's preparedness for a future with less reliance on American protection.

As heat waves become longer, hotter, and more frequent, many German tenants are struggling with high temperatures in their homes. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has indicated that building laws need to be amended to provide better heat protection.

The German Chancellor has received a death threat from a Tehran daily newspaper, which listed 13 world leaders as targets for revenge following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Friedrich Merz was among those named.

During a 'Sommerpressekonferenz,' German politician Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU, reportedly faced a moment of silence when questioned about his biggest mistake, following a positive assessment of the government's performance.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that there are significant obstacles to further reforming Germany's "debt brake," which limits public borrowing.

The Kremlin criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's comments regarding security guarantees for Ukraine, following earlier remarks by a Hungarian minister about closing doors to Russians.

Friedrich Merz was seen at Wimbledon, embodying a modern statesman in a hat, sunglasses, and khaki suit. Meanwhile, Angela Merkel is reportedly drawing record visitors in Berlin.

German politician Friedrich Merz and Romanian President Nicușor Dan are scheduled to attend a meeting of the Coalition of Willing for Ukraine in Paris next week. The meeting will focus on continued support for Ukraine.

The article questions the effectiveness of Friedrich Merz's promise to diminish the AfD through good governance, noting the CDU's current struggles.

Friedrich Merz delivered a government statement on the current political situation in Germany, addressing the recent NATO meeting and reform decisions, with discussions also covering the approval of new frigates.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced at a NATO summit that Germany is expected to achieve its goal of investing 5% of its GDP in defense sooner than planned.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has dismissed the possibility of a Russian victory in the ongoing war and urged continued support for Ukraine.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the agreement between Canada and Germany's Thyssenkrupp for the supply of 12 submarines as "good news for our security and economy."

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing criticism for focusing on trade policy against China, with arguments suggesting he should prioritize addressing Germany's internal economic problems, which are largely considered self-inflicted.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz unveiled a 10 billion euro tax relief package, aiming to stimulate the stagnant economy and bolster the government's standing.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has unveiled a package of labor and workplace reforms, aiming to accelerate economic momentum by over 1% by 2027.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Europe must assume greater responsibility for its own security to maintain NATO's transatlantic character, as Berlin plans to increase its defense spending.

Germany has expressed its opposition to the Multiannual Financial Framework, with Berlin demanding a significant cut of 400 billion euros, as stated by Friedrich Merz.

After his first year, German politician Friedrich Merz is notably unpopular, with the far-right AfD strengthening its lead in national polls amidst slow reforms and a struggling economy.

A German liveblog covers multiple national developments, including a Bundestag debate on organ donation, a phone call between Friedrich Merz and Donald Trump, and discussions among Green party faction leaders regarding a potential AfD ban.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged parliamentary parties to cooperate on implementing reforms to the pension system, one of his government's largest reform projects.

Plans for a major pension reform in Germany have been postponed, with CDU leader Friedrich Merz emphasizing that inaction is not an option. The government is expected to address the issue despite the initial delay.

Germany's Friedrich Merz is holding a defense summit with leaders from the five leading European countries (E5) to discuss security issues, following a nationwide radio disruption in rail traffic and ahead of an art collection auction in London.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the G7 summit in France demonstrated Western unity on supporting Ukraine and pressuring Russia for the first time in a long while.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz supports a proposal for Germany to establish a Swedish-style public pension fund, which would involve investing a portion of pension contributions in capital markets.

A liveblog covers various developments in Germany, including nationwide protests by municipalities. Friedrich Merz has pledged to advocate for financial relief for these local governments.

As details emerge from the Rent Commission, the 'endgame' has begun for Friedrich Merz, who is tasked with delivering a significant and impactful rent reform.

German politician Friedrich Merz is advocating for discussions aimed at addressing the undervaluation of the Chinese Yuan.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz believes there is a good chance for Europeans and Americans to jointly increase sanctions pressure on Russia, with the EU discussing new sanctions at an upcoming summit.

Marrëveshja midis Iranit dhe SHBA-së duhet të përfshijë edhe Libanin. Kancelari gjerman Friedrich Merz e bëri këtë deklaratë para samitit të G7 në Francë.

Germany faces significant issues including high healthcare costs, stalled economic growth, and an ailing pension system, raising questions about the ability of figures like Friedrich Merz to address these national challenges.

Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU, stated that his patience with the SPD regarding the infrastructure law has run out, despite emphasizing that good solutions arise from dialogue.

An opinion piece argues that Germany's coalition committee should not become a mere 'consensus club' and that trade unions must overcome their social welfare fantasies, suggesting Chancellor Friedrich Merz should rein them in.

As the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran enters its hundredth day, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has drastically altered his position on the situation, a change that is expected to have significant consequences.

Thirteen months after his election, German conservative leader Friedrich Merz is experiencing a difficult period marked by record unpopularity and speculation about his potential replacement.

Germans are reportedly less interested in football and more concerned with the economy, leading to a decline in trust for Friedrich Merz and his government. The Alternative for Germany party gains support from disillusionment with other parties.

Rising labor and energy costs are significantly challenging Polish businesses, while Friedrich Merz's economic plan faces increasing criticism.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that for many, Magyar represents a bearer of hope, having received a clear mandate from voters to restore democracy and the rule of law in Hungary.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is reportedly struggling to quell discussions about a potential internal party rebellion, with Russian media Sputnik and German newspaper Die Zeit reporting on the rumors.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's internal policies have led to resignations, falling trust among voters and party colleagues, and worsening electoral prospects for the CDU, with calls for his resignation by September 21.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's pension reform is at risk as the premiers of three eastern German states, all members of his own CDU party, have opposed parts of it.

Unrest is growing within Germany's CDU party following personnel decisions by Friedrich Merz, with critics suggesting he leads the party like a company. This internal turmoil and criticism of Merz's leadership are causing significant disquiet among party members.

Friedrich Merz's political standing is under threat as his coalition faces questioning from various dissatisfied public opinions. Upcoming state elections in eastern Germany are anticipated to be a dramatic political test, with the AfD potentially gaining power.

In a CDU parliamentary group meeting, members expressed dissatisfaction with Friedrich Merz's personnel reshuffle, which, while seemingly appeasing some, has consumed a political tool that the Chancellor might soon need.

Friedrich Merz has rejected the current EU budget plan and is pushing for an early compromise among member states. He issued a strict demand to the EU regarding the financial framework.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the European Commission's initial proposal for the EU budget, totaling nearly 2 trillion euros, should be cut by 'several hundred billion euros'.

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is experiencing internal criticism regarding its leadership, with some members expressing strong disapproval of Friedrich Merz's approach. Critics suggest the party is not learning from past mistakes and that Merz is not effectively leading the organization.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has rejected the current European Union budget plan and is advocating for the bloc to finalize its next seven-year budget by the end of this year, ahead of schedule, to avoid potential political gridlock from upcoming 2026 elections.

The Taoiseach is scheduled to hold talks with the German Chancellor in Dublin today. The meeting will take place at Farmleigh House.

Markus Söder's prediction suggests that discontent over Friedrich Merz's actions regarding the dismissal of Patrick Schnieder is unlikely to subside in the coming week, with expectations for good reasons rather than blind loyalty.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German leader Friedrich Merz are reportedly moving past previous disagreements, with the looming threat of a Le Pen presidency providing an incentive for Paris and Berlin to enhance their collaboration.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced plans to push for a reform of the pension system, which would gradually raise the retirement age above 67 in correlation with average life expectancy, sparking protests from trade unions.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is reportedly considering announcing a cabinet reshuffle on Friday, following the sudden departure of a key CDU official, Jens Spahn, amidst a dispute.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, exchanging views on topical issues concerning the regional and international agenda.

Thorsten Frei, a close confidant of Friedrich Merz, is set to become the new leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in Germany, a move that has drawn some scrutiny.

Reports have emerged detailing the alleged role of Mathias Döpfner, CEO of German media conglomerate Axel Springer, in German political maneuvering, including claims he urged Chancellor Friedrich Merz to cooperate with the AfD.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev have signed economic agreements to deepen Germany's access to Azerbaijan's gas reserves and transit routes, as Germany seeks to diversify its energy sources.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev visited Berlin and signed a strategic partnership declaration with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, during which Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan's gas supply to Germany.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the Union parties are under pressure to act quickly in finding a successor for Spahn, especially with upcoming election campaigns in Berlin and the East. The question of the parliamentary group leader offers Merz an opportunity for a small government reshuffle.

The debate surrounding surrogacy continues to be a prominent topic in both Germany and Austria, with discussions highlighting various perspectives on the issue.

Německo se letos zúčastní francouzského cvičení jaderného odstrašení. Po jednání s francouzským prezidentem Emmanuelem Macronem to v pátek oznámil německý kancléř Friedrich Merz.

Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, emphasizing the government's commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between their countries. He highlighted the priority of smoothly integrating the German brigade into Lithuania by 2027.

An influential Iranian newspaper has published a death threat against German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, prompting concern among German politicians and a restrained reaction from the German government.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended his government's reforms, announced further cuts to social benefits, and introduced new economic measures, while attempting to appear optimistic about the outcome.

German conservative leader Friedrich Merz has called on far-right voters to seek information beyond social media, while also defending the work of his coalition government, which faces unpopularity in recent polls.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that recent reforms indicate his coalition is making progress, while police conducted drug raids in western Germany and the Netherlands, leading to arrests.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz advocates for a monetary policy dialogue with China, stating the EU cannot compete against a currency manipulator. Separately, another US national suffering from Ebola has arrived in Germany for treatment.

Following the NATO summit in Ankara, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Germany would purchase American Tomahawk cruise missiles.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has made an ambitious commitment to establish Berlin as Europe's leading conventional military power by 2030.

German politician Friedrich Merz has expressed concerns that political fringes could lead Germany into 'the abyss', highlighting anxieties about the country's political direction.

Friedrich Merz, a German politician, asserts that Russia has no chance of achieving its military objectives in Ukraine and advocates for continued international support for Kyiv.

UN agencies have condemned Germany's latest budget draft, which further reduces overseas development spending while increasing defense funding. The cabinet, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, approved the draft.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has targeted 'Montagsblaumacher' (people who frequently call in sick on Mondays), suggesting that requiring a doctor's note from day one does not make people healthier and advocating for a focus on prevention instead.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced plans to address the high number of sick days in the country, proposing stricter rules, including an end to telephone confirmations from doctors, starting in January.

Friedrich Merz is advocating for stricter sick leave regulations in Germany, requiring individuals to see a doctor from the first day of illness, a proposal that has drawn criticism.

Friedrich Merz spoke at the North Rhine-Westphalia CDU event in Düsseldorf, presenting himself as a reform chancellor and delivering messages to Hendrik Wüst, without mentioning the AfD or global affairs.

Friedrich Merz has drawn criticism for an embarrassing football-related tweet following the German team's elimination from a tournament, further fueling frustration.

Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, has drawn public anger after sending a 'tone-deaf' message of congratulations to the German World Cup team following their humiliating defeat to Paraguay.

Germany is reportedly weighing a €20 billion tax cut as Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU, seizes political momentum, potentially influencing the country's economic policy.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing significant unpopularity among the majority of Germans, prompting questions about his communication style and how his approval ratings might be reversed.

Friedrich Merz has expressed support for plans to increase Germany's retirement age to 70, following recommendations from an expert commission that linked the retirement age to increasing life expectancy.

German politician Friedrich Merz's complex relationship with the business sector is being examined, questioning if he is 'the chancellor of the bosses.'

Germany's pension reform, a task that eluded previous governments for decades, presents an opportunity for Chancellor Friedrich Merz to establish himself as a true reformer if he demonstrates the necessary resolve to implement it.

Friedrich Merz has affirmed his commitment to advancing a plan to increase the pension age in Germany, signaling potential reforms to the country's retirement system.

According to German media, a pension commission established by Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government is proposing a gradual increase in the retirement age to 68, along with including politicians and self-employed individuals in the statutory pension system.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz commented on the European integration of Western Balkan countries during the European Council meeting in Brussels, stating that Montenegro is already ready for EU membership.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has had a mixed performance in international relations, with cooling ties with Paris and Washington, but finding common ground with London and Rome.

Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's CDU party, believes there is a new window of opportunity for negotiations with Russia, citing Ukraine's strengthened position. He suggests that Russia can no longer achieve a military victory, creating a potential opening for diplomacy.

A fierce verbal confrontation erupted in the German Bundestag between Friedrich Merz and representatives of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, reportedly over statements concerning Ukraine.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended the government's reform, migration, and European policies in the Bundestag, drawing sharp criticism from AfD leader Alice Weidel.

Germany's Union and SPD parties are allowing the tank discount to expire, with Union parliamentary group deputy stating an extension is not "financially sensible." CDU leader Friedrich Merz expressed displeasure with the SPD, while economist Veronika Grimm called for a consistent reform package.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz appealed to citizens with the famous words of his predecessor Angela Merkel, "Wir schaffen das" (We can do this), at his party's convention in Linstow, eastern Germany. His repetition of the phrase was noted as intentional.

Germany is grappling with high healthcare costs, stagnant growth, and an unsustainable pension system, raising questions about whether CDU leader Friedrich Merz can deliver on his promises.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has told Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić that Serbia must clearly define its foreign policy direction, emphasizing that it is not possible to simultaneously balance relations between Russia, China, and the European Union.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed encouragement after discussions with several Western Balkan leaders in Tivat regarding proposals to accelerate their region's EU accession, anticipating quick results.

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is gaining ground on the CDU/CSU in Germany, leading to increased pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Discussions about a potential change in leadership are becoming more prominent.