Germany's opposition leader Friedrich Merz vows to build 50 gas-fired power plants to tackle energy challenges if elected chancellor, citing wind power shortfalls and nuclear plant closures.
Opposition leader Friedrich Merz, who is tipped to be Germany's next chancellor, has vowed to build 50 gas-fired power plants if his conservatives win the Feb. 23 snap election, the t-online news outlet reported on Sunday.
"We need to build 50 gas-fired power plants in Germany as quickly as possible, which will be connected to the grid immediately," Merz, who heads the CDU/CSU conservative bloc, told t-online in an interview.
Gas-fired electricity production in Germany jumped by a record 79% in November from the month before as utilities scrambled to offset a second straight month of sharply below-normal output from wind farms.
Wind power output was 25% below year-prior levels in October and November due to slow wind speeds, depriving power firms of a key electricity source just as winter set in. Wind farms supplied 27% of German utility electricity in 2023.
Merz, the head of Germany's CDU/CSU conservative bloc, is in line to succeed Social Democratic Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose fractious coalition with the Greens and the pro-business Free Democrats collapsed in November over contradictory plans to revive the nation's ailing economy.
He told t-online it had been a "serious strategic mistake" by Scholz's government to "shut down the last three nuclear power plants that guaranteed reliable power generation in the middle of the energy crisis."
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to resolve trade disputes and cooperate on Ukraine during a phone call Thursday evening.
Germany's domestic intelligence agency has temporarily paused labeling the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as extremist following a legal challenge, stirring debate across the political spectrum.
Germany has called on India and Pakistan to avoid further escalation and protect civilians following deadly cross-border missile strikes between the two nations.
Friedrich Merz has been elected as Germany’s 10th chancellor, prompting a wave of international reactions and congratulations as he prepares to navigate significant challenges at home and abroad.
Global debt rose by around $7.5 trillion in the first three months of the year to hit a record high of over $324 trillion, data from a banking trade group showed on Tuesday.
Ten blasts were reported near Srinagar International Airport in India-administered Kashmir as tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, prompting global concern over a potential wider conflict.
Ukraine and Hungary announced on Friday the mutual expulsion of two diplomats each, following accusations from both sides of espionage activities.
Pope Leo XIV marked his first full day as head of the Roman Catholic Church with a solemn Mass in the Sistine Chapel on Friday, just one day after his historic election as the first American pope.
The swift election of Pope Leo XIV reflects a clear consensus among cardinals for continuity, unity, and a leader capable of bridging divides both within the Church and across the globe.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said “you cannot spy against an ally” following reports that the U.S. has increased intelligence efforts in Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
Discover every major VE Day 80 event in Britain, 5‑8 May 2025—from London’s parade and fly‑past to street parties, concerts and museum exhibitions.
Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has announced it will no longer sell goods directly from China to U.S. customers, shifting instead to U.S.-based sellers amid the closure of a long-criticized customs loophole.
Cardinals from 70 nations have gathered in Vatican City to begin the historic conclave to elect the next pope, following the death of Pope Francis 17 days ago. This conclave is the most geographically diverse in Church history, showcasing Francis’ legacy of inclusivity.
The United States, along with its European allies, is finalizing a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, with a strong warning that new sanctions will be imposed on Russia if the truce is not honored, according to a French diplomatic source on Friday.
Ten blasts were reported near Srinagar International Airport in India-administered Kashmir as tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, prompting global concern over a potential wider conflict.
Ukraine and Hungary announced on Friday the mutual expulsion of two diplomats each, following accusations from both sides of espionage activities.
Pope Leo XIV marked his first full day as head of the Roman Catholic Church with a solemn Mass in the Sistine Chapel on Friday, just one day after his historic election as the first American pope.
The swift election of Pope Leo XIV reflects a clear consensus among cardinals for continuity, unity, and a leader capable of bridging divides both within the Church and across the globe.
Ten blasts were reported near Srinagar International Airport in India-administered Kashmir as tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, prompting global concern over a potential wider conflict.
Ukraine and Hungary announced on Friday the mutual expulsion of two diplomats each, following accusations from both sides of espionage activities.
Pope Leo XIV marked his first full day as head of the Roman Catholic Church with a solemn Mass in the Sistine Chapel on Friday, just one day after his historic election as the first American pope.
The swift election of Pope Leo XIV reflects a clear consensus among cardinals for continuity, unity, and a leader capable of bridging divides both within the Church and across the globe.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said “you cannot spy against an ally” following reports that the U.S. has increased intelligence efforts in Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.
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