Terrorism
— Germany probes suspected Russian links to violent attacks and sabotage ahead of key 2024–25 elections, raising alarm over digital clues, Kremlin interference, and threats to democratic stability.
UK Politics
— The populist radical right is rising across Europe, challenging mainstream parties. Germany’s “firewall” isolates them, while others debate co-opting or confronting them. Centre-left parties must resist imitation, while centre-rights face a strategic dilemma.
German Politics
— Alice Weidel, leader of Germany’s far-right AfD, presents a paradox. A multilingual, Swiss-based ex-banker with a diverse family, she once embraced conservative moderation but now champions anti-immigration rhetoric. Opportunism or conviction?
European Union
— Europe’s identity crisis deepens amid rising populism, shifting alliances, and leadership voids post-Angela Merkel. As Donald Trump’s influence grows, uncertainty looms: Who speaks for Europe — and does Washington still listen?
2025 German Elections
— Germany’s youth vote has taken a dramatic turn, with first-time voters flocking to both the hard left and far right in record numbers, while the CDU/CSU emerges as the largest party in an election set to reshape the nation’s political landscape.
2025 German Elections
— Germany’s economy is stagnating, with recession, high inflation, and low productivity growth driving voter concerns ahead of the election. Energy costs, weak labour supply, and sluggish investment hinder recovery.
European Security
— European leaders face a seismic shift as US support wanes. Trump’s unilateralism, Ukraine war talks excluding Europe, and efforts to divide the EU demand urgent European unity to safeguard security and sovereignty.
Germany
— Germany’s CDU, led by Friedrich Merz, has shifted rightward on immigration, passing a Bundestag vote with the support of the far-right AfD, breaking a political firewall. This controversial move intensifies Germany’s polarised election climate.
