Federal Government: The Fear of Dam Breakage
Friedrich Merz and Lars Klingbeil plan to push major reforms in income tax, healthcare costs, pensions, and work duration after the state election in Rhineland-Palatinate.
F.A.Z. Elite Panel: The Merz Government Disappoints the Elites
A new survey reveals that Germany's elite are losing confidence in the Merz government, with many doubting the possibility of significant reforms.
F.A.Z. Elite Panel: The Merz Government Disappoints the Elites
A new survey reveals that Germany's elite is increasingly disillusioned with the government's ability to implement significant reforms.
F.A.Z. Early Thinkers: Neck-and-Neck Race Before the Election in Rhineland-Palatinate
A close election race is unfolding in Rhineland-Palatinate, with significant implications for party leadership and public trust in the Merz government.
Merz's Government Statement: "As long as the war continues, we will not participate"
Merz emphasizes Germany's stance on not participating in the war during his government statement before the European Council in Brussels.
Government Statement: Merz Calls for Unity in Europe
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz calls for European unity and outlines Germany's non-military stance in the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran.
F.A.Z. Early Thinker: What Tone Does Merz Set in His Government Statement?
The article discusses the tone and implications of Merz's upcoming government statement in light of various economic pressures and events in Germany.
Misused Debt: A Special Temptation
The Merz government in Germany is facing criticism for misusing special funds that were intended for infrastructure and climate protection, leading to concerns about fiscal responsibility.
F. A. Z. Podcast for Germany: "Merz is making himself the leader of the anti-war movement"
The podcast discusses the German government's stance on the Iranian conflict, emphasizing a refusal to engage despite pressures from the US.
Germany: Another 'no' to military support in Hormuz - 'This is not NATO's war'
The German federal government has again rejected the US request for military support in the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that this conflict does not involve NATO.
Germany: The war in the Middle East has nothing to do with NATO
A German government spokesperson clarified that the conflict in the Middle East following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran is not related to NATO.
Pension Policy: Private Retirement Savings Are to Become Much Cheaper
The German government plans to enhance private retirement savings as a vital part of the pension system, emphasizing the need for state support to encourage citizens to invest.
Germany Calls Israeli Settlement Plan a Big Mistake
Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the Israeli government's proposed settlement plan in the West Bank as a significant mistake.
Federal Government: Merz and Reiche: This is the Climate Nightmare Duo
A critical opinion piece highlights the detrimental policies of Germany's Economic Minister Katharina Reiche in relation to fossil fuel dependency amidst rising oil and gas prices due to the Iran conflict.
Rhetoric about Iran: How Merz is Becoming the New Merkel
The article discusses the shift in rhetoric of the German government regarding the Iran conflict, highlighting a notable change in tone from last summer's casual remarks by the Chancellor to a more cautious approach.
Reaction to Attacks: The Iran War Forces Merz to Walk a Tightrope Again
The German government demonstrates understanding for the attacks on Iran while avoiding open support, navigating a complex diplomatic situation fueled by different perspectives within the ruling coalition.
Desires for the Merz Offensive: Let it Happen
The article critiques government overreach in industries and the disconnect between political promises and public expectations ahead of elections in Germany.
Black-red coalition: Beware of the 'Spring of Reforms'
The article discusses the German government's reform promises under the black-red coalition led by Friedrich Merz, highlighting concerns over economic policies and increased bureaucracy.
Federal Politics: Merz advocates for government consultations in China
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz advocates for increased governmental exchanges with China during his inaugural visit to Beijing.
Municipal Finances: This Treatment is Not What the Municipalities Deserve
The article discusses the unmet needs of German municipalities and the government's inadequate response to their financial struggles.
Merz's CDU Wants to Reverse the Legalization of Cannabis in Germany
The CDU party in Germany, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, plans to reverse the partial legalization of cannabis approved by the previous government.
CDU Party Chairmanship: Merz Re-elected with 91.17 Percent
Friedrich Merz has been re-elected as the chairman of the CDU with 91.17 percent approval, reflecting a stabilizing support despite challenging poll numbers for the government.
Climate Protection: Germany Wants to Relax Emissions Trading
The German government is pushing to ease climate protection regulations for the industry, particularly affecting the chemical sector, raising concerns among environmentalists about Europe's climate goals.
Next week, German Chancellor F. Merz will visit China
Chancellor F. Merz is set to make his first official visit to China next week, following an invitation from the Chinese government, where he will meet with Premier Li Qiang and President Xi Jinping.
Merz's Visit: Beijing is Becoming a Teacher
The German government is seeking greater independence from China while German corporations continue to expand their presence in the country, posing a challenge for Chancellor Friedrich Merz during his visit.
Germany explores a reform of the social system that incentivizes working more hours
The German government is proposing reforms to its social system to encourage full-time employment and reduce reliance on social benefits amid economic challenges.
German Elections 2026: Merz Faces Major Challenge Due to the Rise of the AfD
Germany is approaching a critical election year in 2026 with significant challenges for Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition government due to the rising support for the Alternative for Germany (AfD).
"Federal Government Refuses to Face Reality" - Economic Expert Grimm Attacks Merz
Economic expert Veronika Grimm criticizes the German government for its lack of reform, warning that without changes, Germany could face financial difficulties in four years.
From the Pension Problem to the Stock Market Boom: Why Friedrich Merz Wants to Make Us Shareholders
Chancellor Friedrich Merz aims to double the number of shareholders in Germany, viewing this as a measure of his government's success and encouraging people to start with their own children.
Mission 2029: Why Friedrich Merz Wants to Make Us Shareholders
Chancellor Friedrich Merz aims to double the number of shareholders in Germany, making it a benchmark for the success of his administration, including a personal anecdote about motivating his children for family walks.
Leadership Style: Stromberg in the Chancellery
The article discusses the resemblance between Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the fictional insurance department head Bernd Stromberg, acknowledging comments from government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius about their similar appearances.
Germanyβs Merz acknowledges βstrategic mistakeβ
Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany has admitted that the government made a 'serious strategic mistake' by phasing out nuclear power, which could impact energy market prices.
Migration Policy of the Federal Government: Call for Deportation Stop for Iran
In response to the violence in Iran, politicians and activists are demanding a stop to deportations, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemning the regime's actions and urging for freedom of expression alongside international allies.
Huge increase in the number of deaths in Iran. Tehran told Merz: Have at least a little shame
U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on any country conducting business with Iran amidst significant anti-government protests in the country and rising death tolls.
Trump launched an economic strike on Iran, China dissatisfied. Merz: Last days of the regime
President Trump announced a 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran as the U.S. considers its response to the largest anti-government protests in Iran in years.
Iran: "We may be witnessing the last days and weeks of this regime," estimates Merz
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz predicts the Iranian regime may be nearing its end amid widespread anti-government protests and extended internet outages.
Merz anticipates a quick end to the Mullah regime
Chancellor Merz expects the Iranian government to soon fall due to mass protests, stating that a regime surviving solely through violence is effectively at its end.
"Then it is practically over" - Merz expects a quick end to the Mullah regime
Chancellor Friedrich Merz believes the Iranian government will not last long due to ongoing protests, which have reportedly resulted in 600 deaths and around 10,000 arrests.
SZ-Podcast "On Point": Is the Federal Government Ready for the New Year?
The article discusses the state of the German government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz amid significant global political events and uncertainties.
Top economist demands a 'marching order' for Pistorius - and criticizes Merz
Economist Moritz Schularick criticizes Germany's lack of a future strategy and inadequate military preparations amidst challenging geopolitical conditions.
Reactions to the US Attack: What Should Merz Have Done Instead?
The article critiques opposition leader Friedrich Merz for evading questions about the German government's stance on an unlawful US attack, questioning what alternative actions the opposition could have taken.
1,000 more heads: the program with which Merz aims to make Germany more attractive to take advantage of the brain drain from the US
The German government has launched a plan to attract researchers worldwide amid the withdrawal of the Trump Administration's policies.
Economic Policy: Finally New Chancellor Tones
Friedrich Merz aims to adopt a more proactive economic leadership role in 2023 as tensions rise over differing economic policies within the coalition government.
Friedrich Merz unexpectedly parts ways with office manager β successor announced
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has appointed Philipp Birkenmaier, the former CDU federal director, as the successor to the previous office manager Jacob Schrot, as announced by the federal government.
Merz sees Ukraine 'on the brink of a humanitarian energy crisis'
Friedrich Merz highlights the dire energy situation in Ukraine amidst sharp condemnation by the German government over Dmitry Medvedev's remarks about potential abduction.
Chancellery: Merz dismisses close confidant
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has parted ways with his office manager Jacob Schrot and appointed Philipp Birkenmaier as the new office manager, according to government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius.
Friedrich Merz surprisingly parts ways with office manager β Successor confirmed
Friedrich Merz has unexpectedly replaced his office manager, Jacob Schrot, with Philip Birkenmaier, the former federal manager of the CDU.
"Chancellor well protected" β Berlin condemns Medvedev's remark on Merz kidnapping in the strongest terms
The German government has strongly condemned remarks made by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev regarding a potential kidnapping of Chancellor Friedrich Merz while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is restructuring his country's security and defense apparatus.
Reaction to Venezuela: Why the Merz Government is Eating its Words after Trump's Coup
The article discusses the divided global reactions to Donald Trump's actions in Venezuela, highlighting that Friedrich Merz prioritizes Ukraine over Venezuela while the Merz government attempts to navigate the fallout without taking a definitive stance.
Reaction to Venezuela: Why the Merz Government is Eating Crow after Trump's Maneuver
The article discusses the divided global reaction to Trump's actions in Venezuela and how the Merz government is navigating these complex diplomatic waters, prioritizing Ukraine over Venezuela while recognizing the broader implications for Europe.