The Merz era: What has he achieved? Where is he failing? | Berlin Briefing Podcast

Germany’s new government came in 100 days ago, pledging to master the biggest challenges facing the country: a stagnant economy, weak defense, and deep divisions over immigration. Above all, it promised to end the infighting that blew up the previous government. So is it working? On this edition of Berlin Briefing, Richard Walker, Michaela Küfner and Stephan Detjen of German public radio break down the start of the Merz era.

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CHAPTERS:
00:00 German economy
10:04 Foreign & defense
10:58 ‘Turning point’
16:45 Donald Trump
17:10 Back on track?
21:30 Israel
26:50 Party rebellion
30:20 Who is Jens Spahn?
31:00 Court drama
39:14 AfD
40:55 Migration
48:31 ‘It’s the economy stupid’
51:35 End

#Germanpolitics #FriedrichMerz #BerlinBriefing

LINKS:
What now for Germany's economic model?
https://youtu.be/C4Rb9iQqhw8?si=6wIkaB9K-y5qGyaa

Why Germans are relieved after Merz’s Oval Office debut
https://youtu.be/XiKJduwA3Qs?si=FVCHwMBb2YCHFFL9

Drama in parliament: How a routine vote blew up German politics
https://youtu.be/z1U1D--DoTA?si=QpltQMwhXhhxBn8m

How the German far-right fueled a campaign of division ahead of court vote
https://youtu.be/FOxIWUVOLEQ?si=IIKpb5uDNlT8Uztl

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Post from DW News on August 15, 2025

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