Sep 20, 2026
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party won nearly 44 percent of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt's state election, marking the CDU's worst defeat in decades and bringing the AfD within reach of forming Germany's first far-right state government since the Nazi era. Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed shock at the result but vowed to press ahead with his unpopular reform agenda.
A bus driver physically knocked down an explosives-laden drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany on Tuesday, potentially preventing an attack at the major NATO and cargo logistics hub. German federal prosecutors have launched a counterterrorism investigation into the incident, which Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Interior Minister have described as representing a new level of danger for the country.
Jens Spahn, a senior leader in Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative party and parliamentary group leader, resigned after facing backlash for fathering a child through a U.S. surrogate despite previously opposing legalization of surrogacy.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz reached out to Alternative for Germany supporters, urging them to judge his coalition government on its merits before September regional elections in eastern German states where the AfD could win power for the first time at regional level.
Germany's CDU/CSU-SPD coalition government unveiled a comprehensive package of pension, tax and labor reforms after seven hours of negotiations. Chancellor Friedrich Merz says the measures aim to revive the country's sluggish economy, boost competitiveness and create jobs.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is pushing a comprehensive 33-point pension reform plan that would gradually raise the retirement age in line with life expectancy and require increased contributions, drawing mixed reactions from across the political spectrum.
Leaders of Ukraine, the UK, France, and Germany issued a joint statement outlining five conditions that must be met to achieve a 'just and lasting peace' to end Russia's war in Ukraine. The statement emerged from bilateral talks held in London on June 7, 2026.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz faced boos, jeers and whistles from trade unionists at a labor conference on Tuesday as he urged Germany to "pull itself together" and pursue ambitious economic reforms amid geopolitical turmoil and rising inflation. The hostile reception underscores the political challenges facing his beleaguered government ahead of crucial coalition talks.
President Trump threatened to reduce US military presence in Germany, Italy and Spain after European leaders, particularly German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, criticized US approach to the Iran conflict. Germany says it is 'prepared' for potential troop reductions.
President Trump said the US is considering reducing troop numbers in Germany after Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized Trump's handling of Iran negotiations, calling the US approach 'humiliating.' The move adds to growing tensions between the US and NATO allies.