DW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics

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.

In this discussion, Johannes Winkel, leader of the CDU's Junge Union Youth Organization, shares insights on the new political landscape in Germany. He advises Friedrich Merz on engaging the younger generation within the party. The conversation highlights surprising cabinet appointments, particularly Foreign Minister Johann Waderfuhr and Economy Minister Katharina Reiche. Winkel also addresses demographic shifts impacting political representation, emphasizing the need for youth voices amid rising far-right sentiment and the challenges of supporting Ukraine.

Is Crimea the key to peace in Ukraine? On today’s episode, we break down Donald Trump’s claim that President Zelenskyy is prolonging the war by resisting calls to cede the Ukrainian peninsula Crimea to Russia. Our guests have updates on a devastating attack in Kyiv and on Friedrich Merz' controversial Taurus missile hint.

Germany’s incoming government will face a geopolitical nightmare from Day 1. Stuck between a hostile White House and a China which threatens Germany’s crucial auto industry. Can likely Chancellor Friedrich Merz handle both at the same time? In this edition of Berlin Briefing, Richard Walker jumps into the Germany-China-US dynamic with Andrew Small of GMF and DW’s Melissa Chan in Taipei.

Germany's likely next government has published its much-awaited coalition agreement. The political marriage document between Friedrich Merz's conservative CDU/CSU party and the Social Democrat SPD marks a clamp down on migration. It also promises a huge boost for Germany's struggling economy. But will Merz's plan to stop the deindustrialization of Germany work?

Migration is again a defining political battleground in Germany. With Friedrich Merz pushing for a 'Migrationswende,' his election victory brings promises of change, but coalition politics may complicate the path forward. Can Germany’s next government deliver on tougher migration policies, or will compromises dilute the vision?

Turkey’s President Erdogan has had the mayor of Istanbul Imamoglu arrested. The EU condemns the arrest but stops short of threatening any action. In this episode DW’s Michaela Küfner asks whether Europe can afford standing up to Erdogan? Her guests, Can Merey (RND) and former EU ambassador to Turkey Marc Pierini map out why Germany and Europe are so highly dependent on Erdogan.