Keywords: Friedrich Merz


Germany implements highest minimum wage increase in a decade

The German government has approved the largest increase in the minimum wage since its creation ten years ago. The wage, currently €12.82 gross per hour, will rise to €13.90 at the start of 2026, and then to €14.60 on January 1, 2027, representing a total......

EU threatens trade sanctions over China's rare earth export restrictions

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has issued a stern warning to China, signaling that the European Union may deploy its most powerful trade weapon in response to Beijing’s tightening control over rare earth exports. The move, which has disrupted European supply chains,......

Russia enters “Phase 0” of NATO conflict preparation, analysts warn

Russia has entered what analysts describe as “Phase 0” of preparations for a potential future conflict with NATO, intensifying hybrid attacks that include drone incursions, sabotage, and electronic warfare across Europe, according to a new assessment by the Institute for the Study of War......

Germany: Mayor stabbed, Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemns a “Heinous Act”

Iris Stalzer, the mayor of the German town of Herdecke-Herrentisch, was stabbed on Tuesday, October 7, according to German media such as BILD and the Berliner Zeitung. The attack shocked local residents and quickly drew national attention. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned......

AfD expected to gain ground in key North Rhine-Westphalia elections

Germany’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is projected to make strong advances in local elections in North Rhine-Westphalia, the country’s most populous state. The vote marks the first major electoral test for Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who took office just four months ago. Home......

Macron and Merz strengthen Franco-German cooperation in southern France

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz chaired a joint Franco-German cabinet meeting on Friday in Toulon, southern France, followed by a defense council aimed at deepening coordination and reinforcing a “stronger Europe” in the face of global challenges. Macron......

Europeans urge Trump to defend Ukraine ahead of meeting with Putin

European leaders are making a concerted effort to influence U.S. President Donald Trump in the days leading up to his highly anticipated meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska. Fearing an outcome unfavorable to Ukraine, European heads of state aim to ensure Trump advocates......

German chancellor urges Netanyahu to pursue swift Gaza ceasefire and humanitarian aid

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to work toward a “speedy ceasefire” in Gaza, as the protracted conflict continues to exacerbate humanitarian crises. The call, made on Friday, also emphasized the need for safe delivery of humanitarian aid......

European ministers set for nuclear talks with Iran in Geneva on Friday

European foreign ministers from Germany, France, and Britain are set to meet with Iran’s foreign minister on Friday in Geneva to discuss Tehran’s nuclear program, according to a German diplomatic source. Before the main meeting, the European officials will first confer with Kaja Kallas,......