DW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics

Germany’s coalition is grappling with its first crisis, with infighting over the nomination of a new judge to its highest court that has exploded with culture war themes ranging from abortion to COVID and the AfD. In this edition of Berlin Briefing, DW’s Richard Walker, Nina Haase and Michaela Küfner are joined by law professor Markus Kotzur to break down the political and legal implications.

Jonatan Vseviov, Estonia's Secretary General for Foreign Affairs, shares vital insights on European security amid the ongoing Ukraine crisis. Defense expert Christian Mölling highlights the urgency for Europe to bolster its military capabilities in light of American policy shifts. They discuss concerns about the Baltic states potentially being next targets for Russian aggression. The debate surrounding the use of frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine's recovery showcases the complexities of international support and the need for a unified European response.

Poland will impose temporary border checks with Germany in response to Chancellor Friedrich Merz's tougher migration stance, which has led Germany to conduct regular border checks. Germany is now countering criticism from neighboring countries. Journalist David McQuaid joins DW’s political team to discuss the political tensions, motivations, risks, and implications for European unity.

In a historic week for Europe, the NATO alliance agreed to a major defense spending boost - raising the goal to 5% of GDP. Meanwhile, Secretary General Rutte called Trump ‘Daddy.’ In this episode of Berlin Briefing, DW’s team breaks down NATO’s summit in The Hague, explores Trump’s influence over Europe, and examines how European leaders’ attitudes shifted during his first and second terms.

John Bolton, former national security advisor to Trump and known for his strong stances on military power, discusses the complexities of Trump's approach to Iran. He doubts Trump's willingness to take drastic military action while questioning his decision-making on NATO. Bolton also navigates the geopolitical implications of the escalating Israel-Iran tensions and the fragility of arms control agreements. His insights reflect the challenging landscape of international relations and the shifting dynamics within U.S. foreign policy.

Alexandra von Nahmen, DW's NATO correspondent based in Brussels, investigates Germany's evolving defense posture in the wake of Russia's actions. The discussion highlights Chancellor Merz's controversial pledge to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP and how this sparks mixed reactions domestically and among European partners. The conversation dives into Germany's recruitment crisis and the tension between historical pacifism and current military pressures. Ultimately, it reveals the complexities of Germany's role within NATO and the broader implications for European security.

Friedrich Merz's first meeting with Trump in the Oval Office was surprisingly harmonious, marking a hopeful moment for German-American relations. The discussion touched on trade agreements, historical ties, and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. With no tough questions directed at Merz, the encounter seemed to reflect a shift in German politics and popular opinion. The podcast also examines the impact of U.S. foreign policy on Europe and navigates the intricate dynamics between the two nations in a time of uncertainty.

When Germany's Chancellor speaks out on international law violations by Israel, it signals a shift. We explore Germany’s evolving stance on Israel, and how Staatsräson shapes the line between political criticism and accusations of antisemitism. Plus, what Merz’s backing of Ukraine’s missile program says about his global ambitions — and how he aims to engage Trump on Europe.

How did Germany’s newly elected chancellor debut as a peacemaker in Europe after his visit to Kyiv alongside fellow European leaders? Can he lead while caught between the U.S. and Russian presidents? DW’s Chief Political Editor Michaela Küfner discusses Merz’s first steps as Germany’s new chancellor on the European stage with Andreas Rinke from Reuters and Aylin Matlé from DGAP.

While the far-right AfD has seized global attention, the far left of German politics is also making gains. The Left Party was the #1 choice for first-time voters in the recent elections. Why are so many young voters drawn to its socialist agenda? DW’s Richard Walker unpacks the Left Party and its growing influence with Matthew Moore and Bernd Riegert from the DW politics team.