Friedrich Merz

European Union

Is a united European voice possible in the age of Trump, Putin and far-right politics? Germany’s new leader intends to find out

— 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

German Election reveals deep youth polarisation as CDU/CSU takes fragile lead

— 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.

Germany

What happened in the German parliament and why is the far-right hailing it as a ‘historic’ moment?

— 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.

Germany

Why the German government collapsed and what to expect now

— After German Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner, effectively collapsing the government coalition, Conservative leader Friedrich Merz, who aligns with Trump-style policies, has called for immediate elections in Germany.