As Friedrich Merz assumes the role of ‘foreign chancellor’ in Riyadh and Qatar, a political calm seems to envelop Berlin. However, beneath the ‘winter idyll’ along the Spree River, tensions are brewing. Regional election campaigns and postponed reforms are placing significant pressure on the coalition government. Rasmus Buchsteiner offers an in-depth analysis of whether the government is truly engaged in active governance or merely taking a precarious pause before the ‘reform window’ firmly closes this summer.
Social security system under threat
In a brisk 200-second interview, Juso leader Philipp Türmer launches an attack on the CDU, cautioning against a ‘major offensive on the social security system.’ He emphasizes the importance of the SPD avoiding a ‘Danish model’ as his party prepares to initiate the process for a new foundational program over the weekend.
Internal conflicts within the AfD
Recent investigations by Frederik Schindler from WELT reveal an inconvenient personnel issue for AfD leader Alice Weidel in Bavaria: a federal spokesperson for the Identitarian Movement is a member of the AfD. This revelation constitutes a direct violation of the party’s incompatibility list, placing Weidel in a difficult position and reigniting the internal power struggle between Berlin and regional branches.
Additionally, a brief discussion with Cathrin Wilhelm from Avilus sheds light on the use of drones, a topic that remains largely unfamiliar to many Germans.
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