Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has ruled out a swift reform of the country’s debt brake and expressed caution over the possibility of securing parliamentary approval for a large-scale military spending boost.
Speaking on Tuesday (February 25), Merz emphasized that changes to Germany’s borrowing limits are not on the agenda in the near future. "It is out of the question that we will reform the debt brake anytime soon. If it happens at all, it will require extensive and difficult work," he stated.
With Donald Trump’s return to the White House raising concerns over European defense capabilities, discussions on increasing Germany’s military budget have gained urgency. The government is reportedly considering a special fund for this purpose, with sources within Merz’s party suggesting the amount could reach hundreds of billions of euros.
However, when asked whether this could be pushed through the outgoing parliament, Merz remained cautious. "We are talking to each other, but it is far too early to say anything about it now. I see it as very difficult at the moment," he said.
Merz, whose conservative bloc won Sunday’s (February 23) national elections but fell short of a majority, now faces challenging coalition talks. With far-right and far-left parties gaining traction, forming a stable government will require careful negotiations.
Despite the uncertainties, Merz reaffirmed his readiness to take on the role of chancellor, stating: "You know that we are prepared to lead such a government. But all this requires a well-negotiated coalition agreement with the SPD. I still believe we can reach a good agreement within a reasonable timeframe and have a functioning majority government in parliament by Easter."
Merz received a standing ovation from members of the CDU and CSU during a parliamentary meeting, signaling strong support from within his party as he prepares for the next phase of government formation.
Severe flooding triggered by heavy rainfall in southern China has forced the evacuation of about 70,000 people, local media reported on Wednesday.
Former UFC lightweight champions Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev have landed in Baku ahead of Azerbaijan’s first-ever UFC tournament.
Kazakhstan will establish regional water risk management headquarters to address growing water challenges during the vegetation season, the government announced following a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi has warned that global refugee protection is facing unprecedented threats, with more than 122 million people forcibly displaced amid ongoing conflicts and shrinking humanitarian aid.
A new freight route connecting eastern China to Azerbaijan via Turkmenistan has officially been launched, marking a significant expansion of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor, also known as the Middle Corridor.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
Severe flooding triggered by heavy rainfall in southern China has forced the evacuation of about 70,000 people, local media reported on Wednesday.
Former UFC lightweight champions Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev have landed in Baku ahead of Azerbaijan’s first-ever UFC tournament.
Kazakhstan will establish regional water risk management headquarters to address growing water challenges during the vegetation season, the government announced following a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi has warned that global refugee protection is facing unprecedented threats, with more than 122 million people forcibly displaced amid ongoing conflicts and shrinking humanitarian aid.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Tajikistan and China have agreed to establish a Joint Working Group on Artificial Intelligence, following high-level talks between President Emomali Rahmon and President Xi Jinping in Astana earlier this week.
Switzerland has announced the lifting of a wide array of economic sanctions on Syria, including measures targeting the country’s central bank. The move follows a series of international steps aimed at supporting Syria’s recovery after the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
The Trump administration has unveiled sweeping new sanctions targeting Iran’s defence supply chain and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement, intensifying efforts to block the flow of sensitive military technology and illicit oil revenues fueling regional instability.
Tesla has secured a major agreement to build its first grid-scale battery storage station in China, local media outlet Yicai reported Friday.
Iran has fired a new round of missiles at Israel, with reports of strikes in several locations, as tensions between the two countries continue.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
Severe flooding triggered by heavy rainfall in southern China has forced the evacuation of about 70,000 people, local media reported on Wednesday.
Former UFC lightweight champions Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev have landed in Baku ahead of Azerbaijan’s first-ever UFC tournament.
Kazakhstan will establish regional water risk management headquarters to address growing water challenges during the vegetation season, the government announced following a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi has warned that global refugee protection is facing unprecedented threats, with more than 122 million people forcibly displaced amid ongoing conflicts and shrinking humanitarian aid.
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