Germany: chancellor-elect criticises Trump, struggles to form coalition
Following the 23 February election, Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz has criticised Donald Trump, calling for European defence independence. He warned that NATO’s future was uncertain and called for urgent action…
Germany / Ukraine: Scholz criticises Trump’s demand for rare earth resources
Olaf Scholz has criticised Donald Trump’s proposal to make US military aid for Ukraine conditional on access to the country’s rare earth resources, calling it ‘selfish and self-centred’. A Ukrainian source has said…
Germany: early election after no-confidence vote
The chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has lost a vote of no confidence in the German parliament, resulting in an early election which will take place on 23 February. Although he expected the loss, Scholz…
Germany: coalition government on brink of collapse
Germany’s ruling coalition faces a crisis after chancellor Olaf Scholz fired finance minister Christian Lindner, citing a breakdown of trust. Scholz, leader of the Social Democrats, said that Lindner, head of the liberal…
Starmer: ‘reset’ with EU will not reverse Brexit
Sir Keir Starmer has emphasised that his government's intention to improve relations with the EU does not equate to reversing Brexit. Speaking alongside German chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, Starmer highlighted the desire…
Germany / China: Scholz’s balancing act
German chancellor Olaf Scholz has tried to strike a delicate balance on a trip to China. He wanted to promote business ties but also to raise concerns over China's export surge to Europe…
