Merz needs close ties with both the British prime minister and Sánchez. Starmer is an important ally in the “E3” format that Germany, France and the U.K. use to coordinate European strategy toward Ukraine. Sánchez, meanwhile, represents the largest faction within the center-left Socialists and Democrats group in the European Parliament, with whom Merz’s conservatives … Read more
The fight against anti-Semitism in Germany is empowering those with the closest ties to its fascist past. Prominent Jewish Australian journalist Antony Loewenstein returns to his ancestral home, Germany, to investigate how the country’s impulse never to repeat the horrendous anti-Semitism that led to the Holocaust has resulted in the suppression of any criticism of … Read more
DEVELOPING STORYDEVELOPING STORY, Germany’s conservative leader falls short by six votes in the first round of voting that he was widely expected to win. Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has failed in his bid to become the country’s 10th chancellor, falling short by just six votes in the first round … Read more
Europe’s biggest economy faces multiple difficulties at home and abroad. There could be difficult times for Germany’s next government after Sunday’s elections. An economic crisis at home, war in Ukraine and transatlantic turbulence with the US under Donald Trump. So, how will Europe’s biggest economy deal with the challenges ahead? Presenter: Adrian Finighan Guests: Cathryn … Read more
In the final days of Germany’s abbreviated election campaign, the task facing its next chancellor has snapped into focus. It appears far more existential, for the country and for all of Europe, than almost anyone initially imagined. Germany’s coalition government came apart just a day after the U.S. presidential election last November. As a result, … Read more
The far-right party’s candidate for chancellor, Alice Weidel, tries to woo voters with her extreme views. Since its founding in 2013, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has become a major political force in Germany. The far-right party is polling second ahead of a general election next month. The party’s candidate for chancellor, Alice Weidel, … Read more
Poll in February triggered after Chancellor Olaf Scholz loses confidence vote. Germany faces an early election following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government. Europe’s biggest economy is in trouble and there are also deep political divisions. So what is of most concern to voters? And why is the outcome so important internationally? Presenter: … Read more
Namibia criticises Germany for seeking to appear at court against South Africa’s genocide allegations. Namibia has condemned Germany’s backing of Israel against genocide allegations at the International Court of Justice. It says, given Germany’s colonial past, that it should not support Israel. So, what’s behind this diplomatic dispute – and why now? Presenter: Adrian Finighan … Read more
Daniel Halemba, 22, was part of a fraternity that was raided in September on suspicion of having Nazi symbols. A newly elected lawmaker for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has been arrested on suspicion of owning Nazi symbols. Prosecutors said Daniel Halemba, 22, was arrested in the Stuttgart area and is under investigation … Read more